Questions about Shibori & Mordanting
You Asked: My question is, would it be a good or less good idea to do the shibori stitching after scouring, but before mordanting the fabric? If the idea is to mordant so that the dye bonds to the fabric, it seems to make sense to stitch before mordanting, thus ensuring the resist that the stitching is meant to achieve?
Kathy Answered: If you want to use a mordant dye for shibori, then stitch first and mordant after the stitching is pulled and tightened. You also want to soak the fabric in lukewarm water for at least an hour before adding it to the mordant bath. If you are using large metal clamps or other materials that might react with the mordant and the dye, test first to check the results.
Private: Online workshop: The Indigo Henna Vat with Kathy Hattori
Indigo is the fabled blue of legend, history and culture and has fascinated artists and scholars for centuries. Indigo is the most popular dye that we carry and there are different ways to make an indigo vat for dipping. Our favorite is the 1-2-3 Henna vat, where henna, this unique natural dye and body tattoo…