This is the last of our DIY indigo shibori dyeing projects, and I still can’t get enough. It’s so fun to mess with patterns while you dip dye things — completely addictive. And I totally dig the boho feel that these DIY placemats bring to a table setting. Let’s do it!
Materials
- painter’s dropcloth (or other similar fabric for sewing placemats)
- sewing machine and accessories
- Indigo dye kit — I love this one
- 5-gallon bucket
- Aluminum foil
- Stirring stick
- Waterproof drop cloth
Make Time: 2 Hours (plus waiting and drying time)
Start by sewing your placemats. I used a plain, clean dropcloth for fabric because I happened to have one in the closet and I thought it would make a good texture for placemats. Cut into rectangles that are approximately 14″ x 18″. Create a rolled hem on all edges of the rectangles by folding each edge over 1/4″, then over again another 1/4″. Press and sew all four sides.
Set up your dye vat according to the directions from last time. While the dye is marinating, fold the placemats for dyeing. You can use any pattern of fold that you like! If you want something similar to what’s in the photos, fold your placemats into an accordion width-wise, then fold the accordion in half twice and secure with a rubber band.
When the dye is ready, fully submerge the placemats in the dye, keeping them in your (gloved!) hands and agitating them slightly for about 3 minutes — the longer the time, the darker they’ll be. Don’t let them fall to the bottom of the vat. Remove them from the dye and let them oxidize for about 20 minutes.
For finishing off and washing, follow these instructions from our shibori kitchen towels.
Set a table with your new placemats and have a great dinner! I think these would look so cool on an outdoor patio table for a fun summer meal. Hope you’ve loved our little mini-series on indigo dye! xoxo
These turned out so pretty!
These are awesome! Love the way they look on a dark surface too! Your shibori DIYs have been so good, Chels.
Wow! These turned out amazing. Love the color of them. So great!
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I made some shibori placements several weeks ago too! I love the wooden flatware in your photos–where did you find it?
Thanks!
http://www.weekend-wanderer.com
Agreed, those wooden utensils are great! Would love to know the brand/source.
Thanks for the shibori tips 🙂 It looks lovely!
LOVE this!! I’ve been a long-time fan but have never commented… but I just had to tell you that I think every detail here is perfection. SO inspiring, thank you!