Explore contemporary and traditional fabric-dyeing methods using indigo and cochineal natural dyes in these hands-on workshops at The Morton Arboretum. Shibori, a Japanese technique of applying patterns to fabric, will be introduced during each session. Participants can register for one or both workshops.
Dyeing supplies are included.
See What to Know for required materials.
Dyeing with Indigo
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Discover the magic of indigo dye through an introduction to the indigo plant and examples of historical and contemporary art works, including shibori. Participants will learn methods of extracting dye along with the process of making and maintaining a vat, a large container of dye in which fabric is submerged. In this hands-on class, students make an indigo vat, learn how to prepare fabric for dyeing, dye samples on cotton swatches, and experiment with shibori techniques to create their own designs on cotton and silk.
Dyeing with Cochineal
Thursday, April 17, 2025, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Discover the history and chemistry of the cochineal natural dye process. This hands-on workshop explores the amazing scale insect, the cochineal, and the hot pink dye it produces. Each participant will learn a variety of shibori dyeing methods and then create a silk scarf of their own design.
These programs meet in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Rachel Davis, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A270
