Tie dye techniques are unique and vibrant. They are so flexible and versatile that you can easily turn your boring outfits into stylish ones with just some DIY tie dye techniques by sitting at home. However, there are some unique tie dye techniques as well which require the hands of the experts. Tie dye techniques have been ruling the world since decades. Once upon a time rich and privileged people having all the luxuries in life used to wear tie dye outfits designed on expensive fabrics to look fashionable and stylish. However, today, people from all backgrounds wear tie dye outfits and accessories to get an appealing look. Tie dye fashion has always been there, however, it remains on and off trends. Since the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic, the tie dye outfits and accessories have made a massive comeback and with new twists. Earlier the tie dye outfits were available in bold and vibrant colours, however, in the contemporary era, you will find tie dye outfits and accessories in soft, subtle and pastel shades as well. Since you can experiment and use your creative minds in designing a unique tie dye outfit for yourself, therefore, tie dye clothing is gaining more prominence in the fashion world. Hence, your wardrobe deserves a collection of colourful tie dye outfits which you can wear for all seasons.
In this article we shall be looking at the top three tie dye techniques from Africa which you need to know about. You can get a wide variety of tie dye outfits and accessories from your nearby stores, or you can just browse different websites which sell a wide range of tie dye clothes and accessories online. Jordash Clothing is one such website from where you will get a variety of tie dye clothing in the UK and all across the world in different styles and designs at an affordable rate. Let us now have a look at some of the tie dye techniques from Africa which you need to know about so that you can wear their chic, stylish and fashionable outfits and accessories in different events and functions.
Adire: The Yoruba Tie Dye Technique from Nigeria
Adire is one of the tie dye techniques which you will find in Nigeria, one of the African countries which is immensely popular for several reasons. The term “Adire” is a Yoruba language which means “tied and dyed”. It is a traditional tying and dyeing technique in Nigeria. Its origin goes back to the Yoruba tribe of southwestern Nigeria and it originated in the early twentieth century and since then this tie dye technique comes with a cultural significance for the Yoruba people and it symbolises the artistic expression that the tribe carries. The process involves the resist dyeing method. In this method, the experts use a variety of techniques to create different patterns and motifs. It also involves tying the fabric, folding the fabric and stitching the fabric before they take it to dye in indigo. They use starch or cassava paste to create designs and patterns on the fabric. When the paste dries out, it prevents the dye from penetrating different areas of the fabric by acting as a resist. You will find many tie dye outfits, such as tie dye skirts, dresses and so on in this technique.
Kitenge: A Versatile Fabric from East African Countries
Kitenge is a kind of fabric which is also called Chitenge. This is a versatile fabric found in east African countries like Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. People generally wear it as a wrap and sometimes as different garments as this fabric is known for its bold patterns and vibrant colours. They are also designed with the help of resist dyeing technique which is similar to batik print, another tie dye technique which is immensely popular. The artisans apply wax to the fabric in order to create intricate patterns and motifs, before dyeing the fabric. The areas of the fabric which are waxed, resist the dye which further creates striking contrasts after removing the wax. This design is also known as the Kitenge design and this particular design is highly diverse. You will find a wide range of designs in abstract patterns and motifs which are inspired from everyday life, culture and nature.
Shweshwe: The Iconic Fabric from South Africa
This fabric is also known as the “denim of South Africa”. Its history dates back to the nineteenth century. It was originally brought by the German settlers to South Africa. Later the people from Xhosa tribe adopted and adapted it, thereby making it an important part of their cultural outfits. This fabric is known for its intricate designs, geometric patterns and motifs in vibrant colours. These intricate designs are achieved by using a complex dyeing process. Earlier they used only indigo dye, however, today they use a wide range of colours. A special printing technique is used on the fabric to design the intricate patterns and for this they use copper rollers engraved with these intricate patterns. The rollers transfer the dye on to the fabric and this way intricate patterns and motifs are designed. Dots, squares and waves are some of the intricate patterns you will find on this fabric. You can easily get different outfits in this tie dye technique from different stores selling different tie dye outfits and patchwork outfits, like patchwork skirts and alike.