Learning a new dyeing technique is an easy and fun way to get custom linens. A grown-up take on tie dye, Japanese shibori is one of the prettiest things you can do to a spare piece of fabric. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to transform a basic sheet into a large-scale geometric table runner that is sure to make your spring table pop with personality.

You will need:
Disposable plastic container
Flat white twin sheet
A packet of fabric dye (I like Dylon because they have some pretty, modern colors)
Scrap cardboard and string
Rubber gloves

Step 1: Cut the twin sheet in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Fold in half lengthwise, then fold again, lengthwise.


Step 3: Fold one corner of the strip over to the opposite side of the strip, forming a triangle. Flip the triangle underneath, and then repeat the fold all of the way down the length of the fabric. The fold resembles a flag-fold, but instead of staying on top of the fabric, you’re folding under, then over — like an accordion fold.
Step 4: Sandwich the folded triangle between two pieces of scrap cardboard cut to the shape of the folded sheet. Tie the bundle tightly with string. The tighter you tie, the more white space you’ll have.

Step 5: Mix the dye according to the instructions on the packet.

Step 6: Dunk just one side of the folded sheet bundle into the dye. You will immediately see the dye start to crawl up the fabric. Let it seep up about 3/4 of the way, then rinse the sheet bundle in cold water until the water runs clear. Undo the bundle; then wash and dry your sheet on the delicate cycle.



Once the sheet is dry, your runner is ready to use. You can experiment with the other half of your sheet by folding it in unique ways, or by using other shibori dying techniques like twisting, rolling or banding. It’s an ancient technique that can yield fun, modern results, so give it a try!
All photographs by House of Earnest.
94 comments
KarinLorenc from KarinLorenc said 7 years ago
This looks like a fun and easy project. I think I might try it so that I have something new to brighten the house up for spring. Thanks!
Fybur from Fybur said 7 years ago
Very Summery feel to it, tie & dye looks really cool! will surely try!
Quality Handmade Items from WhisperingOak said 7 years ago
The result is so pretty. This is great to prepare linens with your colors for a great celebration.
Pepitas House from PepitasStudio said 7 years ago
This project is great to make all your colors match at a special around the table celebration. So easy to follow the instructions.
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 7 years ago
Wow. This is beautiful! A perfect color for the upcoming summer season too!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 7 years ago
Gorgeous! Thanks for the instructions.
StillVintage from StillVintage said 7 years ago
Beautiful. This such a fun project and a good way to use retro colors
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 7 years ago
Very cool - looks like fun!
IKA PARIS from ikabags said 7 years ago
Gorgeous! merci :)
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 7 years ago
I love dying fabrics. This is a great tutorial!
Elizabeth from ABreathOfFrenchAir said 7 years ago
Wow, very pretty! I have used this method for scarfs before, but with different colors. I like the mono color on the table runner!
MyChouchou from MyChouChou said 7 years ago
What a great technique! I have done tie dye with my kids many times and when we get going, we tie dye everything that comes in our way..... : ) Now we absolutely have to try this! Thank you for sharing : )
Carter Seibels Singh from WomanShopsWorld said 7 years ago
This is so fabulous and easy-enough to tackle for those of us who like instant-gratification. And I agree that Dylon dyes are awesome! Thanks for the project idea!
Marta DQ from tribomo said 7 years ago
Great tutorial! Love the idea of making your own fabric!
BarDulce from BarDulce said 7 years ago
So pretty! Thank you for sharing :)
Pine from GoodOldVintageOnline said 7 years ago
Fantastic post! Can't wait to try this! Haven't done any dying in years :)
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 7 years ago
Shibori is a wonderful technique- years ago I worked as a silk-dyer and this method was a staple.
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 7 years ago
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Leda Design from LedaDesign said 7 years ago
This is really wonderful! Love it!
Caroline Barbosa from OldSoulVintageLtd said 7 years ago
Wow I may really do this with a round tablecloth. Thanks!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 7 years ago
Wow ! what a beautiful technique. i will sure try it. Thanks for sharing.
kristin from blackmoonsky said 7 years ago
absolutely beautiful! i love the shibori dying technque. and this color is so bright and perfect for spring. great article :)
Adam Speicher from SpeicherBowTieCo said 7 years ago
Cool
Jillian Altmeyer from Squidbrains said 7 years ago
This looks like so much fun! That particular powder dye can be used in so many ways. It's a ton of fun to play with,
Brooklyn Wicks Kahn from BrooklynWicksLLC said 7 years ago
I love these colors, thank you for inspiring me
Stacey McCaffrey from vintagejane said 7 years ago
WOW....so beautiful!
Rosemary Wascher from DarburyDog said 7 years ago
Lovely bright color, wonderfully creative way to tie dye.
Sandy Wiggins from SandyWigginsImages said 7 years ago
Thank you - you make it look so easy! That complete table setting is stunning!
seasidecloth from seasidecloth said 7 years ago
I've used the shibori method several times, and there are a number of detailed designs possible with this ancestral method.
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 7 years ago
I find that table runners visually connect everyone at a long table who would otherwise seem far apart.
Scott Spalding from ScottSpalding said 7 years ago
Beautifully done and very inspiring :)
Renate from 2Crafty4You said 7 years ago
A cool project, I like to try this! Thank you for sharing.
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 7 years ago
Great Project!!! Well written directions!!
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 7 years ago
I love the color, it's one of my favourites :)! Brightens up my day anytime :). Thanks for sharing this great project!
Erika Kelly from PortlandApronCompany said 7 years ago
Oh! I LOVE this! Thank you for the tutorial!
Natalie from HansHolzkopf said 7 years ago
so beautiful and easy!
Jillian Carmine from JillianReneDecor said 7 years ago
I have wanted to try this! Great post, Erin!
Shannon from JustSmashingDarling said 7 years ago
Perfect timing. I am doing tie dye today with the kids. Now I can try my own version while they are busy making big ol hippy swirls.
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 7 years ago
Fun and Vivid!
Oshrat from theLowerEarSide said 7 years ago
Beautiful execution using a traditional technique.
Aga from AgasJourney said 7 years ago
Beautifully blue and inspiring idea. Thank you for sharing!
aSma from TealAndMagenta said 7 years ago
Oh love the idea!! Thank you for the tips.
Brigit Juarez from TheDeerFox said 7 years ago
Great idea! Thanks for the instructions, very easy to follow :)
Suzi from ThePillowStudioShop said 7 years ago
What a fun idea! I might have to try this with some pillows...
VINTAGE NOW from ESTATENOW said 7 years ago
Love it..Great info.
Christer0665 said 7 years ago
any idea where the dishes are from...droooool!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 7 years ago
Love this DIY...looks great! Thanks, Erin.
Natalia from KMalinkaVintage said 7 years ago
Great post!
Arlene from MyVintageEscape said 7 years ago
I love this...I have never dyed anything, but you made it look so easy to do I have to try this. Thank you for sharing, I am looking through my linen cabinet right now to see what I can dye...lol I also love those dishes too!!!!
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 7 years ago
All the photos look so bright and summery--makes me want to dig out the grill finally! Thank you for the gorgeous tutorial!
Mel Zuydgeest from StunwithFun said 7 years ago
Looks like a great project and the colour looks so nice, bright and happy. Can't wait to try something like this! Thanks for the idea!
Shawna Woodson from NightBirdsNest said 7 years ago
This is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to try it!
Kasia B from ShesGUtSSY said 7 years ago
This looks like a fun project. I can see myself making a light green one for Easter. Add a bunch of yellow field flowers, white table setting and you have a truly Spring Easter table...as beautiful as our Australian Autumn is I know I crave these fresh, bright colours for Easter.
Peg from GoldGraceShop said 7 years ago
Inspiring! Here I go to play...
DebRAHHH from MessyInspiredDesigns said 7 years ago
Cute idea...definitely pin worthy!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 7 years ago
Wonderful art form! Great work!
Sarah Cownley from GlimpseCreations said 7 years ago
Stunning! Am definitely going to try this!
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 7 years ago
This looks like fun.
Rebecca Blevins from RaccoonValleyRouge said 7 years ago
Perfect for warmer breezy weather! Great!
Clare and Richard Kapin from VarietyArtworks said 7 years ago
Very pretty, nice color sense. Looks easy too!
Janne Perry from ClosetGothic said 7 years ago
This looks like fun :)
Chris from HarmonyBalls said 7 years ago
wow......beautiful.......
tilisa from PandoraBracelet said 7 years ago
Your design is very talented, I like it very much Https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandoraBracelet? Ref=si_shop
Diahann Mangoni from ClayMeADream said 7 years ago
I'm trying this! Thank you!
Kaspi Crafts from KaspiCrafts said 7 years ago
I love that electric blue; it's like having the sky inside your house <3
Elaine Dillard from AldaandCompany said 7 years ago
That color is PERFECT! Love it!
NaZariJewelry from NaZariJewelry said 7 years ago
PRETTY! ♥♥♥♥
Peshka from Peshka said 7 years ago
Beautiful!
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 7 years ago
Great weekend project !! Thanks for the article.
Helen from BESLOV said 7 years ago
Interesting!!
Wendy Ferraro said 7 years ago
Officially on my to-do list. I've seen the Dylon dye in the craft stores and I agree about the bright modern colors that they make. This is gonna be great!
glitterandstones from glitterandstones said 7 years ago
Love this traditional technique. I am definitely going to try. Thanks for sharing:)
Kerime Sevilen Mustafaoglu from ASHYL said 7 years ago
It's great to see this traditional technique and your modern version. Thank you :)
Wood Iphone Cases from WoodiPhoneCases said 7 years ago
The vintage style spoon and fork looks cool on the cloth
Melody from AllForYouVintage said 7 years ago
This is just what I need to brighten up my home for Spring. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lilia Vanini from liliavaniniboutique said 7 years ago
I have to find time to make a lot of beautiful projects, including this one, Love it!!
Heather from starvingartistdsgns said 7 years ago
Fun project! Thanks for posting!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 7 years ago
Wonderful project! Thank you so much for sharing!
Marie Cashin from MEmbroideries said 7 years ago
Fun! takes me back to the tie dye days. I had not heard of that dye, thanks.
Deodorant Shop from deodorantshop said 7 years ago
This is great! Thank you
Lana Manis from LanaManisDesigns said 7 years ago
Thank you for the tutorial! I've wanted to try this for a long time and this explains it so well! :)
Vintage Minnow from VintageMinnow said 7 years ago
Purdy
Divaseller Boutique from DivaSellerBoutique said 7 years ago
Njce
Divaseller Boutique from DivaSellerBoutique said 7 years ago
I meant Nice ........sorry I spelled it wrong earlier....lol.....I must be tired
Sarah Sides from SarahSidesMadeIt said 7 years ago
Wow! Never knew it was so easy to dye fabric!
Kathryn Greenwald from SweetBohemianLife said 7 years ago
I LOVE to dye things! Thank you!!
Sandra Foster said 7 years ago
This is a cool idea.. I will try it.. Thanks!
ann smith-moore said 7 years ago
Great to get me to experiment with art materials and methods hat are new to me . Love the colors and table setting , too . . . Thanks , Erin !
Hazel Lynn from LeftoverHippies said 7 years ago
Like a more chic version of tye-die! Possible inspiration for my hippie wedding... and I can personalize it to my colours! Thanks so much for this!
Susan Malakooti from DalCuoreCreations said 6 years ago
Such a cool brisk color. Thanks for sharing your technique.
Samantha Western from BLITSGEMS said 6 years ago
simply smashing love the idea!!
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 6 years ago
so inspiring!
Paula Freire from paulafreireetsy said 6 years ago
Lindo. Vou fazer. obrigada.
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
Looks so great!!!