Creating ART Fabric From Dye Rags

Using a dye rag to create art is quite different than intentionally underdying or underpainting cloth to create finished art.

When working with dyes even the most careful dyer has spill to wipe up. It you use fabric instead of wasting paper towels you will have the beginning of some wonderful finished art cloth.

I often soda soak the fabric to keep the spills from washing out and continue to use the cloth until I feel it is ripe for overdyeing, or possibly even use it as is.


I loved the serendipitous patterns created on this dye rag.


I trimmed this part to fit in a frame. When I started dyeing fabrics this year I decided to over dye it since it had not been treated with soda ash. I created three finished pieces from the original dye rag.


This section was my favorite. I knew I wouldn't be able to save it as it was, so I did a shibori overdye on it and while I lost something I also gained something.


It is not particularly evident which section of the original fabric this came from, but it is a wonderful piece of fabric that I will use in a composition.


Here we see more subtle background patterning. It will also make a great addition to something I create.



This is the most subtle shibori overdye, while keeping the strongest original image. I have already found the place I think I will use this.

Maybe if you study these further you will be able to determine which section of the original dye rag they came from.

I'm sharing a challenging puzzle with you today. I hope you enjoy it and get some brain exercise!