Basting Stiches/Sewing

[Lelia187]

I am very, very new to dyeing and have been reading a lot of information. So basically, I know nothing. But, I read somewhere that you can sew/baste instead of using rubber bands or string. Do any of you guys do that? Is it easier to create the more complex designs using this technique or did I basically read something that wasn't true.

By the way, I'd just like to thank everyone who helped create this forum and all the other helpful websites... like Paula Burch's. It really helped me out.

[steve]

I have in the past, but I prefer to use string, as I dodn't see much advantage to basting for what I was doing (heart).

Use a real strong thread--like upolstry thread.

I get my complexity through folds in general--playing on reflection and symmetry.

That's not to say that there is anything wrong with sewing or basting--it's just not my way and ultimately, you need to find your own way  .

Steve

[mustdye]

I started using a basting stitch but now I fold my pleats by hand.
I then bind with either rubber bands or artificial sinew.
The danger with rubber bands is having your item fold up on itself.

[tiedyejudy]

I have a couple of designs that I stitch, and that is because they are not symetrical.  Here is a picture of one - you can see that I wouldn't be able to achieve the design by tying.
For accordion-fold designs I use string or sinew.  For swirls, I use rubber bands, only because they can act as dividers for me when I apply the dyes, and they are easy to put on.   I soda soak my garments after I tie, and if I use string to tie, sometimes the string loosens on the circles when I squeeze out the excess soda ash solution.  Hope that helps!

Judy

[fiberartist219]

You can read more about stitching as a resist from Karren Brito's book Shibori. She shows examples and everything. You can also check out her blog. If you google "entwinements" it comes up. She mostly does pole wrapping, but you can definately find examples of stitched resists as well as capping. I found it to be rather intriguing. I have tried stitching myself, but I'm not good at pulling the string tight enough to get a strong impact. It's kind of hard, but it is very versatile.

[tiedyejudy]

BTW, I forgot to mention that I use dental floss, not thread, when I do my stitched designs.  It resists the dye so is easier to see when it's time to remove, and it doesn't break.

Judy

[mysticmountainsmama]

I do stitching for my designs (heart, electric and acoustic guitars). I draw on the design in pen (red or blue to match the dye I will use to fill the design). I trace a whole bag of designs on from my stencils. Then I go to the beach with my 4 kids and stitch with a double thread in the opposite colour (red or blue) so I can see it when the dye goes on. Later I tie it up with string.
I find that stitching led to more predictable results and less mistakes so I do it at the beach!