Itajime shibori (E-taj-ih-meh)

Itajime shibori is a shaped-resist technique. First the fabric is accordion folded length-wise and then folded up in various ways: triangles, isosceles triangles, squares, etc. Traditionally, the cloth is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, which are held tightly in place with string. More modern textile artists can be found using shapes cut from acrylic or plexiglass and holding the shapes with C-clamps. The shapes prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric they cover.   The first piece below is a silk veil done with the tortoise shell pattern. The other pieces are examples of different techniques.

SEKKA SHIBORI:  Sekka is a form of itajime however, the clamp is applied after the folded fabric has been set in dye for 60 minutes.  The folded piece can be put into dye at various levels.  This will create different patterns.  The clamp can be applied at different positions on the block, tightened and left for 45 minutes and/or up to an hour before taking the piece apart.  Different folds, fabrics, dye level and clamp positions all contribution to the different design variations.