New
New
Year 8

Exploring dyeing

I can explore pattern through Shibori techniques.

New
New
Year 8

Exploring dyeing

I can explore pattern through Shibori techniques.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Dyeing is the process of applying colour to textiles, fibres, or materials using natural or synthetic dyes
  2. There are many dyeing traditions, including: Shibori in Japan, Batik in Indonesia and Tie-dye in Africa and the US
  3. By using natural dyes you can achieve a range of colours
  4. You can use resist techniques to create patterns in the materials

Keywords

  • Shibori - a traditional Japanese method of folding, twisting, or binding fabric before dyeing

  • Resist - when parts of the fabric resist dye due to being tightly folded or bound

  • Pattern - a design that repeats

  • Dye - coloured substances used to change the colour of materials like fabric

Common misconception

Tie-dye is a modern European technique

Tie-dye or similar forms, such as Bandhani from India, originates from many different regions around the world and exists in multiple forms and styles. Tie-dye is a global textile technique that has existed for thousands of years.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring dyeing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils should wear plastic gloves and aprons to protect skin and clothing. Check for latex allergies before distributing gloves.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Elastic bands or pegs, white or light coloured fabric, strong cardboard, a bowl, large metal spoon, turmeric powder, gloves and protective aprons.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is Shibori dyeing?
A painting technique using fabric
A way of cutting fabric into shapes
Correct answer: A Japanese method of folding, twisting or tying fabric before dyeing it
A machine process that prints patterns onto fabric
Q2.
What is the main purpose of tying, folding, or clamping fabric in Shibori dyeing?
To make the fabric softer
To help the fabric dry faster
Correct answer: To make patterns using a resist technique
To keep the fabric in one place
Q3.
Shibori is a Japanese dyeing technique where fabric is folded, twisted, clamped or _______ to create patterns.
Correct Answer: tied
Q4.
What is a pattern?
A design that is geometric
Correct answer: A design that repeats
A circular design
A painting technique
Q5.
You might find Shibori patterns on clothing, cushions, or ...
Correct Answer: fabrics, materials
Q6.
Match the terms with their correct meanings in Shibori dyeing:
Correct Answer:Resist,Method that blocks colour from reaching part of the material

Method that blocks colour from reaching part of the material

Correct Answer:Dye,A coloured liquid used to stain or tint fabric

A coloured liquid used to stain or tint fabric

Correct Answer:Fabric,The material being dyed, such as cotton or silk

The material being dyed, such as cotton or silk

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are dyes used for in fabric art?
To make fabric stronger
To cut fabrics into shapes
Correct answer: To colour fabric
To dry fabric faster
Q2.
What is a natural dye?
A dye made in a factory
A colour that appears naturally on fabric
Correct answer: A dye made from plants, insects, or minerals
A special kind of paint for walls
Q3.
Natural dyes can be made from plants, insects and ...
Correct Answer: minerals, rocks, spices, earth
Q4.
Put the steps of tie-dyeing in the correct order:
1 - Choose your fabric
2 - Fold or tie the fabric
3 - Apply the dye to the fabric
4 - Rinse and dry the fabric
Q5.
Folding the fabric helps to create in resist dyeing techniques like Shibori.
Correct Answer: patterns
Q6.
Why do you use elastic bands in Shibori dyeing?
To hold the fabric in place while it dries
To decorate the fabric
Correct answer: To resist the dye and help create patterns
To stretch the fabric before dyeing

Additional material

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