Tie-dye is an age-old stamping technique, popular in countries like India, Indonesia, Japan. And is popularized by the United States hippie movement in the 1970s. But what exactly is tie-dye? What are the different types of tie-dye techniques around the world?
WHAT IS TIE DYE?
The term tie-dye comes from English. The literal translation would be to tie and then dye. Tying different parts of the fabric and dyeing it in different ways. The final print can only be seen at the end of the process after the ties are opened. We love tie-dye, and many of our clothes are made using techniques of this beautiful type of printing. As we believe in valuing artisanal labour. Therefore, Indian artisans who are working for generations make our clothes and tie-dye them. Check out some of the different types of Tie-Dye techniques. Also, learn more about the history of tie-dye and its influence in different countries.
HISTORY – WHO INVENTED TIE DYE?
History of the tie-dye is complex. Archaeological records of garments and fabrics are scarce. Therefore, the origin of certain types of prints or materials is difficult to mark accurately. Currently, there is a piece of evidence, that 6200 years ago in Peru tie-dye was done, in Egypt 4000 years ago. And some literary references show about tie-dye in the Middle East 5000 years ago.
Tie-dye also existed on the Silk Road, in Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan. In addition, it is believed, in the United States, it became popular based on the printing found in West African countries, such as Nigeria.
Now let us know the many types of tie-dye. Also, how it is done in different countries?
TYPES OF TIE DYE
BANDHANI
Also known as bandhej, this type of tie dye is the most common in western India. The fabric is attached to innumerable small moorings, which form different types of design. The greater the number of ties, the more the pattern is worked. And, consequently, the more expensive the art form is.
SHIBORI
The Japanese version of tie-dye is traditionally made with indigo. And there are dozens of types in the country. Shibori has been around for 1300 years and was popularized in the Edo period. When common people started looking for ways to decorate fabrics. Because they were being banned from wearing luxurious fabrics like silk. In the city of Kyoto, there is even a museum dedicated to Shibori! Today, silk kimonos in shibori are extremely expensive. And some pieces can take up to 24 months to complete!
CLAMP DYE
In the clamp dye, the fabric is folded several times. And later it is clamped to a piece of wood, which provides the desired effect of the cast. It is a variation of the Japanese technique, known as Itajime shibori.
LEHERIYA
In the state of Rajasthan, India it is a well-known method of tie-dye. Leheriya means “waves”, as the pattern resembles the movement of waves in the water. It is believed that this type of pattern brings hope to the desert and the dry state of Rajasthan. The hope of bringing water to the state. Isn’t it poetic? The rainy season in the state begins in the month of July. During the festival of Teej, is when the women use this type of typical print.
TIE DYE TECHNIQUES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
INDIA
There are records in the literature of the existence of tie dye in India since the time of Alexander the Great.
It is common to find fabrics in the shops yet with lashings of tie-dye, especially in the western states, like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Thus, the customer can find out that that piece, in fact, was made by hand. There are several nomenclatures for tie-dye in India, and several types of tie-dye, such as Leheriya and Bandhani mentioned above. Tie-dye involves various artisan communities in India. And they are practising it for generations. You can find tie-dye in Indian clothes for women, especially in Sarees
JAPAN
Shibori has existed in Japan since the 8th century. The city of Arimatsu, in the centre of the country, is famous for shibori and has numerous fabric stores specialising in this beautiful art. Arimatsu specialized in tie-dye in 1608, after they started making tie-dye for tourists who visited the place. There are even specialists in Shibori, such as Motohiko Katano (1899-1975), whose work has already been exhibited in Japanese museums.
AFRICAN CONTINENT
In West African countries, tie-dye is a common type of stamping. Countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sierra Leone and others have tie-dye as a printing process. Originally, Chestnut brown and Indigo were the colours used. But synthetic colours are now more popular due to their low cost. There are several techniques in these countries. Including the use of raffia to make the moorings.
CHINA
Tie-dye is a meticulous art practised by the Bai community for over a thousand years in Yunan. Made with indigo in blue and white, it is an essential item in the wedding outfit for women in the region. Butterflies are popular themes in their prints.
UNITED STATES
Tie-dye arrived in the United States in the late 1960s. During the Hippie Movement, it became more popular. At that time, the most common motifs were spiral and made in the vibrant colours of the rainbow. Nowadays, you will find various boho style tie-dye prints on various outfits. Tie-dyed sweatsuits and T-shirts are very popular all over the United States.
How To Do Tie Dye?
We are still learning ourselves how to do tie-dye at home. But we have selected a few videos which we think are very good and effective to learn how to do tie-dye.
The results may or may not turn out well in the first few times. But, if you really want to master this, try practising more.
If you find this article informative and worth sharing, do share it with your friends and also, pin the image below to save it for later, on your Pinterest boards about fashion, trends in fashion, Tie Dye etc.
