Shibori Napkins – Easy Tutorial for Beginners
Craft these gorgeous Shibori napkins using the popular Japanese tie-dye method! They are pictured here with DIY rustic wooden napkin rings for a warm, welcoming table.
I absolutely love setting a gorgeous table every Friday night. As a Jewish mother, we always have a nice formal (but relaxed) family dinner, often with guests. Lately, I’ve been sharing some of the DIY table decor I make to help craft a pretty tablescape.
I’ve shared so many DIY napkin rings (these resin napkin rings are a favorite – but these super easy leather ones are also a hit).
But what about the napkins themselves? Today, I’m sharing how to make Shibori napkins using super-easy materials!
Basics of making Shibori napkins
What is Shibori
Shibori is effectively tie dye, but the Japanese method. Usually, we crafters call it that when we use the deep blue ink inspired by the natural indigo inks used in the Japanese craft.
Effectively, the way we usually do it, it’s just tie dye in deep blues. If you look at true Shibori, what we do is a far cry from it.
But it still makes for some gorgeous patterns, and using the deep blue inks associated with Shibori keeps it classy on the table! Since we’re beginners, we are sticking to relatively simple Shibori techniques.
Sourcing your materials
I confess: I cheated. I actually made these because I saw a kit at Target on clearance! I wasn’t going to share the tutorial (you know I should occasionally craft it just for me), but then I realized that Target no longer sells this kit (it WAS on clearance), so maybe I should share the how-to!
The funny thing is, I had purchased tea towels at Dollar Tree years ago to turn into napkins – and I never really did it. I felt like they were too big, intended to sew them down, found the material hard to work with, and turned some of them into rags. Then, I realized that the napkins that came with the kit were the same exact thing – just mesh tea towels! Whelp. They worked fabulously.
I would, however, prefer a more elegant base for this. Make sure it’s tie-dye friendly and absorbent. I think that a linen or woven cotton would be perfect. If I did this again, I’d buy an elegant white napkin to do it on.
The rest of the materials for this are pretty basic. Get Shibori dye (or just use dark navy tie dye). The kit came with ribbons and rubber bands – I found the rubber bands easier to work with. Real Shibori would use multiple methods beyond tying to create the resist (including stitches, clamps, and more).
How to make Shibori napkins
You’ll need
- White fabric napkins made from an absorbent material
- Shibori dye – either actual indigo powder or Shibori-inspired dyes
- Squeeze bottle(s) – You really only need one, but it won’t be enough to dye all your napkins. You can refill it, but that can be annoying. I had all my squeeze bottles lined up to do all at once. You can also create different dye strengths, and you may want a few bottles for that.
- Rubber bands – or if you want to go more diverse, you can mix it with other techniques
- Tarps or disposable tablecloths/garbage bags to protect your surfaces
- Lots and lots of paper towels (or towels you don’t mind ruining)
- Gloves so you don’t stain your hands
Watch the video
Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! I also show a slightly different technique in the video. Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.
Step-by-step process
Note: most dyes come with their own instructions. Since their makeup can differ, always prioritize package instructions over my own!
1. Tie up your napkins! If it’s your first time doing this, I’d recommend starting simple. I used the basic “Kanoko” method, which is most like tie dye. Simply hold the napkin from the center point and let the four corners fall. Hold the whole thing together as one bundle. Tie it in increments.
I did try some with string, but preferred how the rubber bands looked.
2. Prepare your dyes in squeeze bottles! You can do different dye strengths based on the water-to-powder ratio. I had bought enough kits to make 12 napkins, but I kind of regret not doubling the dye (and just purchasing more powder) as I got more of a denim blue than a navy.
Protect your surface well (it’s dye – it’s permanent). Lay out (paper) towels to absorb extra and avoid runoff.
3. Start pouring it on your napkins! You’re supposed to really soak it and let the tying do the work of creating a resist. Try not to miss any spots.
4. When they’re all ready, dump them into a huge plastic bag and close it. Let it sit for a while (I did overnight).
5. Wash off the excess dye. Cut off your bands. Open it up and enjoy the result!
Follow your package instructions WELL for post-processing, and make sure to wash your Shibori napkins on their own for the first few times, as they are not necessarily colorfast right away!
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make shibori napkins! Which type of napkins would you like me to share next? Comment below!
How to Make Shibori Napkins
Craft these gorgeous Shibori napkins using the popular Japanese tie-dye method!
Materials
- White fabric napkins made from an absorbent material
- Shibori dye - either actual indigo powder or Shibori-inspired dyes
- Squeeze bottle(s) - You really only need one, but it won't be enough to dye all your napkins. You can refill it, but that can be annoying. I had all my squeeze bottles lined up to do all at once. You can also create different dye strengths, and you may want a few bottles for that.
- Rubber bands - or if you want to go more diverse, you can mix it with other techniques
- Tarps or disposable tablecloths/garbage bags to protect your surfaces
- Lots and lots of paper towels (or towels you don't mind ruining)
Tools
Instructions
1. Tie up your napkins! If it's your first time doing this, I'd recommend starting simple. I used the basic "Kanoko" method, which is most like tie dye. Simply hold the napkin from the center point and let the four corners fall. Hold the whole thing together as one bundle. Tie it in increments.
I did try some with string, but preferred how the rubber bands looked.
2. Prepare your dyes in squeeze bottles! You can do different dye strengths based on the water-to-powder ratio. I had bought enough kits to make 12 napkins, but I kind of regret not doubling the dye (and just purchasing more powder) as I got more of a denim blue than a navy.
Protect your surface well (it's dye - it's permanent). Lay out (paper) towels to absorb extra and avoid runoff.
3. Start pouring it on your napkins! You're supposed to really soak it and let the tying do the work of creating a resist. Try not to miss any spots.
4. When they're all ready, dump them into a huge plastic bag and close it. Let it sit for a while (I did overnight).
5. Wash off the excess dye. Cut off your bands. Open it up and enjoy the result!
Follow your package instructions WELL for post-processing, and make sure to wash your Shibori napkins on their own for the first few times, as they are not necessarily colorfast right away!
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make shibori napkins! Which type of napkins would you like me to share next? Comment below!
Notes
Note: most dyes come with their own instructions. Since their makeup can differ, always prioritize package instructions over my own!
