Tie - Dye - History

TIE – DYE is a modern term in the mid – 1960’s in the United States for a set of ancient resist- dyeing techniques and for the products of these processes. The process of tie-dying typically consists of folding, twisting, pleating or crumpling fabric and binding with string or rubber bands.

History

America – In Peru (dates 500 to 810 AD) examples of pre – Columbian surviving tie-dye were found. Their designs included small circles and lines, with bright colours including red, yellow, blue and green.

Western - Tie-dyeing was a hit in 1909, when Professor Charles E Pellow of Columbia University acquired some samples of tie-dyed muslin and subsequently gave a lecture and live demonstration of the technique.  

Asia – Shibori includes a form of tie-dye that originated in Japan and Indonesia. Shibori includes a number of labor-intensive resist techniques including stitching elaborate patterns and tightly gathering the stitching before dying, forming intricate designs for kimonos. Another Shibori method is to wrap the fabric around a core of rope, wood or other material, and bind it tightly with string or thread. The areas of the fabric that are against the core or under the binding would remain undyed.

Africa - Tie-dye techniques have also been used for centuries in the Hausa region of West Africa, with renowned indigo dye pits located in and around Kano, Nigeria. The tie-dyed clothing is then richly embroidered in traditional patterns. It has been suggested that these African techniques were the inspiration for the tie-dyed garments identified with hippie fashion.