Compact Shibori Stand Make traditional Japanese shibori at home. Easy to use for beginners.

京都絞り工芸館
Aug 5
4 min read

Updated: Aug 8

Bring the Tradition Into Your Hands

Take your time, tie each tiny section of fabric, and watch beautiful patterns emerge.

The Compact Shibori Stand is a professional tool designed for practicing traditional Japanese shibori techniques, including Kyo Kanoko Shibori, in the comfort of your own home.

Grow Your Skills Along with Your Tools

This professional-quality stand includes a rare attachment specially designed for Hari-Hitta Shibori, and is also suitable for Kasamaki Shibori and Nuishime Shibori.

The needle length can be finely adjusted using pine resin, allowing you to customize the tool to fit your hand and working style. As you continue using it, the tool becomes increasingly comfortable and familiar.

Each stand is delivered fully assembled, so you can begin enjoying traditional shibori techniques as soon as it arrives.

Handcrafting Enriches Everyday Life

The quiet, repetitive process of tying fabric brings calm concentration to busy days.

As both your skills and your tools develop over time, you'll experience one of the greatest pleasures of traditional craftsmanship.

Perfect for your own creative projects or as a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys making things by hand.

A Rare Professional Tool Used by Shibori Artisans Throughout Japan

Upper Attachment

Designed for Hari-Hitta Shibori.

Lower U-shaped Attachment

Used for Kasamaki Shibori, Nuishime Shibori, and Boshi Shibori.

How to Tie Hari-Hitta Shibori

Hari-Hitta Shibori is the traditional technique commonly known as Kanoko Shibori (fawn-spot tie-dye).

This guide explains how to use the original Hari-Hitta Shibori tool developed by the Kyoto Shibori Museum.

You can also create charming patterns by spacing each tie a few centimeters apart, a style known as Bara-Hitta Shibori. It is easy for beginners to enjoy, so don't hesitate to give it a try!

For Hari-Hitta Shibori, a wooden thread bobbin called a Koro is used. We recommend using cotton thread for tying.

Kanoko Shibori is tied by working from left to right across the fabric.

Fold the fabric on the bias (diagonally to the weave), and place the edge of the fold over the needle on the metal attachment.

Hold the thread in your right hand.

With the thumb and index finger of your left hand, hold the fabric directly beneath the needle.

Lay the end of the thread on top of the fabric and secure both the fabric and the thread together with your left thumb.

Hook the thread around your right thumb and pull it taut.

Keeping the thread taut with your right thumb, pass it under the metal arm, then bring it through the loop of thread that has been formed.

Pull the Koro downward and toward you, then pull it to the right.

Repeat this motion four times to complete one tie.　

Continue by moving over a distance equal to the height of one tied section, then place the fabric onto the needle in the same manner as before.

(If your fabric has a pre-drawn pattern, tie each section according to the design. You can also create a charming Bara-Hitta Shibori pattern by leaving a few centimeters between each tied section. This style is easy for beginners and highly recommended.)

Continue tying each section in the same manner.

When tightening the thread, pull at a steady, consistent speed. This helps keep each tied section uniform in size, resulting in a more beautiful and even finished pattern.

How to Tie Hari-Hitta Shibori ← Click Here

How to Tie Kasamaki Shibori

This attachment is designed for Kasamaki Shibori and Nuishime Shibori. It is also used for Boshi Shibori.

The name Kasamaki Shibori ("umbrella-wrapping shibori") comes from the way the pattern resembles an opened umbrella after dyeing.

In Arimatsu Shibori, a traditional shibori style from Nagoya, this technique is also known as Makiage Shibori.

First, sew along the outline of your desired pattern using cotton thread.

Tie a knot at both ends of the thread before you begin.

Hook one of the knotted ends of the thread onto the shibori stand.

Next, pinch the part of the fabric that is farthest from the metal attachment.

Keeping hold of the fabric, gently move it back and forth while pulling the stitched outline until the thread becomes as straight as possible.

Next, gently stretch the fabric to return it to its original shape.

Then fold the pouch-shaped section that you wish to tie over to the right-hand side.

Starting from the front edge, gather the fabric little by little.

As you make the gathers, gently pull the fabric to the left and right. This helps the fabric gather evenly and creates a clean, beautiful finish.

Once the gathers are neat and even, keep the fabric folded to the right-hand side and remove the upper knotted end of the thread from the shibori stand.