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Time
1h30

Making dye patterns with wooden blocks and clamps?? Sure, I'll try that!!
Itajime Shibori is a traditional Japanese method of folding and clamping fabric to create intricate dye patterns. Well, I gave it a go and cranked out a pair of rockin' cool tights!

Here's my how-to:

Posted by edie d. from New York, New York, United States • Published See edie d.'s 41 projects »
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  • How to make a pair of tights / pantyhose. Itajime Dyed Tights - Step 1
    Step 1

    Starting with some pre-washed nylon tights, fold the legs lengthwise in half. Then fold up the legs in a triangular accordion fashion all the way to the hip. Try to make this as even as possible because this is what's creating your cool pattern.

  • How to make a pair of tights / pantyhose. Itajime Dyed Tights - Step 2
    Step 2

    Make 4 wood blocks the same size as triangles in your tights. Find some clamps that will hold very tight and can fit the thickness of the folded tight legs.

  • How to make a pair of tights / pantyhose. Itajime Dyed Tights - Step 3
    Step 3

    Carefully, sandwich the folded tight legs between the wood blocks and clamp down.

    Soak the clamped tights in warm water for about 10 minutes or so.

  • How to make a pair of tights / pantyhose. Itajime Dyed Tights - Step 4
    Step 4

    Mix up your dye! Stir 1/2 package of RIT Royal Blue dye and 1T of RIT liquid Black dye with 1 gallon of very hot 140º water in a large plastic container. If your tap water's not hot enough, just heat some in a tea kettle. Now immerse the entire clamped-up tights contraption in the dye bath for about 10 minutes. Remove the clamps and rinse out the blue dye.

    While the tights are still wet, over-dyed the tights with 1/2 package of RIT Fuschia dye, using the same method for a real pop of color. After removing from the dye bath, rinse until water runs clear, wash in mild detergent and hang dry.

    And there you have it. Super fun n' easy, right?

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Comments

edie d.
edie d. · New York, New York, US · 41 projects
Actually, I find that nylon dyes easier than cotton. The fabric absorbs the color faster and deeper with a bit less excess dye washing out. There's a lot of inexpensive nylon blend tights, grab some and give it a go.
I think you'll have fun with it.
xo
edie
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M4ri
M4ri · Seattle, Washington, US · 16 projects
those are so cool!! one question though, i've had bad luck dying cotton with Rit where it washes out, can this happen with nylon or is it made for synthetics?
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KMOM14
KMOM14 · Fort Wayne, Indiana, US · 378 projects
Very unique and interesting looking results.
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violetta
violetta · Temerin, Vojvodina, RS · 208 projects
I love it!
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Hank
Hank · Wirral, England, GB · 10 projects
super duper sweeeet Happy
Reply
Suppe
Suppe · Hamburg, Hamburg, DE · 8 projects
I really love the pattern.. Wish dye was cheaper, can't wait to try this!
Reply
camilaustral
camilaustral · Concepcion, Bio-Bio, CL · 9 projects
wow very nice, and a very interesting method
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