5 Shibori Patterns with Clothespins

Shibori is a technique of folding fabrics using things including clothespins! This post I’ll show you my favorite shibori patterns using clothespins.

One of my most popular posts is how to fold shibori fabric patterns but what I didn’t specify is that those are my favorites with rubberbands. So here I will show you 5 different ways to use clothespins!

You’ll notice a lot of these look pretty similar so in the videos I point out the subtle differences between them! Shibori patterns using clothespins are very simple BUT they will require a lot of dye. This means if you want more of your color than white, these are the techniques for you. But I also have a couple of rubberband with clothespin options.

Shibori Patterns

What you’ll find below is a photo of the pattern and then I associated the part of the video with HOW I achieved that exact pattern. 

Diamonds with Straight Polkadots

1. Begin by using an accordian fold
2. Clip the clothespins on one edge of the fabric along the longest side
3. Fold the long strip into a triangle pattern (think of how you fold a flag!). All of the clothespins should be outside. None should be folded on the inside.
4. Secure the triangle with your rubberband.

Random Polkadots

This one is pretty easy to figure out! What you’ll do is lay your fabric flat. Pick random places to put your clothes pins!

Straight Alternating Lines

1. Begin by using an accordian fold
2. Clip the clothespins on one edge of the fabric along the longest side
3. Now you will clip the clothespins on the opposite side between the existing clothespins. 

Squares with Random Directional Polkadots

1. Begin by using an accordian fold
2. Fold using the accordian style again from the top of the short end to create a square.
3. Take your rubber band and secure the square.
4. Now place the clothes pins randomly along the outside. You won’t be able to place it around the full chunk of fabric so just place it on one fold. 

Straight Polkadot Lines

1. Begin by using an accordian fold
2. Clip the clothespins on one edge of the fabric along the longest side