Shibori Indigo Yukata

This Japanese yukata is dyed using the shibori technique. Yukata are worn by women during the summer months due to their thin, breathable quality. While they are typically made out of cotton, this one is mixed with hemp to allow for quicker drying.

The design consists of vertical dotted lines with varied shades of indigo. Floral motifs are created using the same lines, with larger dyed spots in the center. There are also diagonals of triangles, some completely un-dyed and others speckled.

Tie-dying, or “shibori,” dates back to the eighth century in Japan.  Shibori uses the plant-based indigo dye. The vertical lines and flower outlines are made using the ori-Nui shibori technique, which is when a running stitch would be pulled to gather the fabric before dying. The larger circles in the middle of the flowers are made with the kanoko shibori technique, which is when small gathers are bound and knotted. The large white triangular shapes are using the itajime shibori technique, where fabric is strategically folded and blocks of wood are clamped with the fabric in between.