Types of tie and dye are a resist dyeing method in which the areas you do not want dyed are blocked using different methods of tying and then the fabric is dyed; the areas that are tied remain undyed resulting in beautiful patterns. It is a very simple and inexpensive way to decorate plain clothes with beautiful and intricate looking patterns, with very little effort.

Tie and dye

Bandhani / Bandhej

This is the Indian technique of tie and dye in which small areas of fabric are tied into a point creating a small diamond shaped pattern. The Indonesia variety of this technique is known as Plangi. Small dots are made on the fabric by tying fabric with thread into a point at regular intervals. This diamond shaped pattern can be made in a random pattern or in a way resulting in them forming a motif. In India, this craft is practiced in the states Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Tritik

This technique involves making stitches on the fabric. The fabric is gathered by stitching randomly or by stitching in specific patterns. Running stitches are used to stitch on the fabric. When you take out the fabric after dyeing you will find beautiful patterns in the shape of the stitched thread.

Shibori

This is a tie and dye technique which originated in Japan. In this technique, fabric is wrapped over a variety of objects like wood, plastic tubes, rope and then cord/string/thread is used to tie the fabric to these objects. When you dye this fabric you get beautiful overall patterns, because the area of the fabric under the binding cord and against the core object would not be dyed. As a result, beautiful patterns are formed on the fabric surface .

Mudmee tie-dye

This is a tie and dye technique that is originally from Thailand. In this method, subdued and dark colours are used. Black is also used along with other dark colours. Random patterns are made on the fabric but they are beautiful in their own way.

Ikat

Ikat fabric is a dyeing technique used to create a distinct style of textile pattern. Ikat is done by resisting dyeing sections of the yarns prior to weaving the fabric.

The various types of tie and dye are many. This gives tie and dye its distinctive versatile character, enabling tie and dye to create various kinds of patterns and motifs. Tye and dye evidently has a long history and tradition, and its variations are found in different parts of the world. Over the years it has witnessed itself as a fashion trend, resurfacing itself over with time. Our textile design course teaches students the various types of tie and dye and enables them to explore its potential in fashion and textile design.