Mokume - Stitched Shibori

Mokume is the Japanese word for wood grain, and is created with rows of stitching across the width of the fabric or filling in shapes.  Parallel rows are set close together so the dye cannot seep into the folds.  Stitches should be relatively even in size but not necessarily lined up.  After stitching, the thread is pulled to gather the fabric and is pulled tightly to compress the fabric as much as possible.  You might also vary your lines by making them wavy or in directions other than horizontal for pattern variation.

During our road trip to Maine Sue spent part of the time in the car stitching on 2 pieces that she wanted to dye in the indigo pot.  One was white (new fabric) and the other was green (previously dyed).

As you can see, the lines are not necessarily straight, and as she got near the end of the green piece (the second one stitched), the rows get further and further apart - she was getting tired of stitching!  But it's all an experiment - no matter.  Below are the 2 pieces with the stitching gathered up.

After dyeing, rinsing and removing the stitching, the pieces hang on the line.

The final wash is in the washer in hot water with synthropol to help remove excess dye.  Here are the results after washing.

Pretty cool!  We think the results are worth the effort, but probably wouldn't do more than a fat quarter size piece (which is what these 2 are), unless it was needed for a planned project.