Shibori and tie dye are timeless resist dyeing methods that turn simple fabric into expressive patterns. Makers love them because they are hands on, forgiving, and full of surprises. With a few folds, stitches, or bindings, you can build striking textures that suit dresses, shirts, scarves, and more. In this guide, we list the Top 10 Shibori and Tie Dye Patterns for Craft Apparel and explain how each look is built, what tools you need, and why it works well on clothing. Every section is written in clear steps and helpful tips so that beginners and advanced crafters can learn fast.
#1 Arashi Shibori
Arashi means storm, and this pattern creates bold diagonal waves that flatter apparel lines. Wrap fabric around a pole, pleating tightly as you go, then bind with string from top to bottom. Compress the bundle so dye can move through ridges and valleys. The result is slanted streaks that look energetic, especially on long garments. Use lightweight cotton or silk for crisp lines. Try a single dark vat for high contrast, or layer a light dip followed by a deeper shade for depth. Arashi pairs beautifully with shirt dresses, long skirts, and scarves that showcase vertical movement.
#2 Itajime Clamp Resist
Itajime uses shaped blocks to create crisp geometric motifs. Fold fabric into a square or triangle, then sandwich the folded stack between wood or acrylic shapes. Secure with clamps so dye cannot reach covered areas. Circles, diamonds, and hexagons are common, but custom shapes let you design logos or repeating icons for brandable apparel. This technique is great for precise, modern looks on shirts and totes. Pre soak the fabric in soda ash when using fiber reactive dyes for clean edges. Rotate or offset the blocks between dips to build layered geometry without losing the neat, graphic character.
#3 Kumo Pleated Spider Pattern
Kumo produces soft radiating lines that resemble spider webs or sunbursts. Pinch small points across the fabric, add gentle pleats, and bind each bundle with thread in several tight segments. The tied zones resist dye while the pleats channel color into feathery rings. Place clusters at the shoulder, hem, or center to highlight garment structure. Thin, even thread tension gives delicate halos, while thicker binding makes stronger rings. Use a single color for elegant minimalism, or dip each cluster tip in a second vat for subtle two tone depth. Kumo is perfect for airy blouses and summer shawls.
#4 Nui Stitch Resist
Nui relies on rows of running stitches that gather the cloth to form protected channels. Draw simple guidelines, then hand stitch along them with sturdy thread. Pull the stitches to gather the fabric, knot the thread, and dye. After rinsing and removing stitches, you will see fine linear motifs with gentle waviness. You can curve lines for botanical flow or keep them straight for a tailored feel. Nui shines on yokes, cuffs, and panels where control matters. Choose medium weight cotton for stable stitching. For advanced depth, stitch two layers, dye light, restitch new lines, and overdye for layered texture.
#5 Kanoko Classic Tie Dye Rings
Kanoko is the familiar tie dye made by binding small points to form rings and rosettes. Pick target spots, wrap each with string or rubber bands, and vary tightness to control dye entry. Arrange rings symmetrically for balance or scatter them for a lively field. Place larger rosettes along hems and center fronts to frame the body gracefully. Kanoko comes alive in monochrome indigo or high energy multi color sets. To avoid muddiness, plan a palette with two or three compatible hues. Rinse thoroughly between colors, and let whites stay bright so the rings read clear and fresh.
#6 Miura Loop Binding
Miura uses a hook or needle to pluck small bites of cloth, then loops thread around each bite without knots. The gentle tension creates soft repeats that resist dye in delicate teardrops and waves. Because there is no heavy knotting, dye can travel nicely, giving subtle gradients. Miura excels on airy cotton voile or silk where drape is important for apparel. Work in bands across a dress panel or in an all over field for texture that looks refined. For added interest, over dye the piece after loosening some loops, creating shadowed layers while keeping the pattern graceful.
#7 Mokume Woodgrain Stitch
Mokume means wood grain, achieved by stitching parallel lines and drawing them up to form ripples. Mark long, slightly irregular lines, then sew running stitches and gather. The uneven tension forms natural looking striations once dyed. Mokume flatters long garments since the vertical flow elongates the silhouette. It is a great choice for coats, kimonos inspired wraps, and tunics. Use two related colors for depth, such as pale blue first and a deeper blue after re gathering with shifted lines. Keep stitches consistent but not rigid to avoid a mechanical look. Steam set carefully to protect the grain.
#8 Tesuji Diagonal Fold and Bind
Tesuji features dynamic diagonal stripes created by accordion folding and binding. Fold the fabric into narrow pleats from one corner to the opposite edge. Bind at intervals with string or clamp the pleated bundle for sharper lines. Dye penetrates the edges first, leaving inner pleats lighter, which yields a gradient stripe with dimension. Tesuji reads sporty and modern, ideal for shirts, skirts, and scarves. Vary pleat width to control stripe scale. For dramatic results, dip just the ends for an ombre effect that fades inward. Press while damp to keep the diagonals crisp and garment ready.
#9 Bandhani Micro Dot Fields
Bandhani is a dotted tie technique known for tiny, regular resists. Pinch minute points using a fine tool and bind each tightly with thread. The small bindings create bright dots after dyeing. Arrange dots in vines, grids, or traditional motifs for cultural richness. Bandhani works beautifully on scarves, dupattas, and flowing dresses where hundreds of dots form shimmering fields. Precision is key, so practice even spacing and tension. Use a single deep color for heritage elegance, or stage a second light dip for gentle shading. Careful untying preserves the tiny rings, giving apparel a luxurious handcrafted sparkle.
#10 Spiral and Sunburst Tie Dye
The spiral is a classic tie dye that stays popular because it frames the body with energy. Lay the fabric flat, choose a center, and twist into a tight disk. Secure with strings in pie segments. Apply dyes to alternating wedges, or keep it monochrome for a sophisticated take. Move the spiral off center on a shirt to create visual flow that feels tailored. For sunburst effects, pinch multiple centers and twist smaller disks. Control clarity by limiting colors and rinsing well between applications. A final gentle fix bath helps retain brightness without compromising the soft hand of apparel.