Caring for your silk
This textured shibori art-wear is made by folding, wrapping and tying silk, then steaming it to set the texture. Dyes are applied at several points during the process, giving a blend of colors and iridescence not quite like any other. Often patterns are created by this method and the texture is washed out to leave a pattern on the silk fabric (as with the velvet scarves you see on this site).When the texture remains in the pure silk, it gives greater depth and interest to the piece. It has a life of its own and often resembles patterns in nature.
Keeping the texture:
Textured shibori will keep its pleats and folds for years. It can be dry-cleaned in a bag (professionally or at home in the tumble dryer) or aired, and is better stored in a box or carton to prevent crushing.
It is important to remember that the texture in a piece of silk art-wear, which is achieved by steam, will largely disappear if the silk is submitted to water. Do not hand wash or immerse your textured scarf in water.
Deliberately flattening your scarf:
Of course, the texture can also be intentionally washed out at a later date if you like. This will give you a brand new pattern, look and shape to your art wear.
Wendy Smith-Wood
shibori artist and silk painter
