(302) Traditional Yoruba Tie-Dye Demonstration
Tie-dye is the process of using raffia to tie fabric and then dyeing the fabric. There are a few different tie-dye techniques. The first is called stitch resist where the design is made using a needle to stitch the raffia into the fabric. The other method is done by hand using raffia to create designs. This demonstration will show examples of both techniques and how to do the hand-tie technique. Indigo will be discussed, as well as how to dye the fabric and remove the raffia.
The primary dye used in my workshops is Indigo. Indigo has been used as a dye in Africa for a very long time. The Yoruba name for indigo is “elu”. Since the olden days indigo has been used for medicine as well as a dye (it cures an upset stomach). Indigo is also used to ward off viruses and houses are painted with indigo to prevent the sickness from entering.


Instructor:
Experience Level:
Open to All
Class Length:
Two-hour Class
Class Day/Time:
Saturday Evening
Maximum Class Size:
100
Student Supplies:
- Piece of 100% cotton white fabric.
- Raffia.
- Scissors.
- Dye.