Some tie-dyed fabrics can appear a little clumsy and unsubtle, but if you employ the shibori technique with a certain dexterity, as demonstrated here. you can achieve a look that is superbly impressive and unmistakably sophisticated. The visual intrigue of this appealing project lies in its bold juxtaposition of graphic black and white stripes, delicately narrow and pleasingly irregular. This is a vibrant design that would be worn equally well with either a casual outfit or a smart business suit.

You Will Need:

(To make a scarf measuring 50 x 50cm)

• much square piece of white silk georgette or fine silk
• Weighing scales
• Fabric detergent (liquid)
• 50cm length of smooth, rigid, plastic pipe or tube, about 15cm in diameter
• Wire wool
• Furniture polish
• Ball of string
• Strong thread
• Scissors
• Overalls, apron or an old shirt
• Rubber gloves
• Protective mask
• Packet of black dye (cold dye is ideal)
• Two plastic buckets (one stainless steel, if heat is required for the dye)
• Fabric conditioner
• Iron
• Needle (or sewing machine)
• Thread to match the dye colour

Holding the pipe in one hand, firmly wrap the thread around the silk, leaving about 2cm between each line of thread (the further apart the thread, the more fabric will be exposed to the dye). push the fabric down (towards the end of the pipe) to form concertina folds. Remove the string when the thread reaches it.

Continue wrapping the thread until all of the fabric is condensed into folds. Cut off the thread and knot securely. Soak the wrapped fabric in tepid water for an hour.

Weigh the silk in order to determine how much dye to use. Hand wash it in hand-hot water with a little detergent to remove any finish. and spin to remove excess water. Also ensure that the pipe is really smooth by polishing with wire wool and furniture polish.

Roll the damp fabric around the pipe at 45 degrees to form a diamond shape. To hold the silk in place while it is wrapped. tie the ends and the centre with string. Take the strong thread and knot around the base of the pipe.

Wrapping the thread.

When you wrap the length of thread around the pipe, make sure that you keep the tension fairly taut, If you wrap it round too loosely, the dye will get under the thread and you will not achieve the desired striped effect,

Remove the pipe from the dye and rinse away excess dye under the cold tap. Carefully unwind the fabric from the pipe, discarding the thread. Thoroughly rinse the dyed fabric with cold water until the water runs clear. Hand wash and condition the fabric in a bucket full of hand-hot water, and then leave to dry.

Press the fabric. To hem the edge by hand, fold over the raw edges about 1cm. Start with the needle at the raw edge and make a couple of stitches to secure the thread. Slip the needle into the fold and run it along inside for 1-2cm. Take it out and pick up a tiny piece of the fabric just below the exit beside the raw edge. Repeat by putting the needle into the fold again, just beside where it came out. Continue all the way round to give a good rolled hem. Alternatively, you could neatly machine stitch a narrow hem around the edge.

Wearing overalls, rubber gloves and a mask, mix up the dye in the bucket, following the manufacturer’s instructions and observing safety recommendations. Make sure there is enough water to cover the fabric on the pipe. Place the pipe in the dye bath. Have in for the recommended length of time to give a strong colour, moving the pipe around a little occasionally to prevent the dye from settling.