Each harmony tie-dye is intricately hand folded, bound with string and dyed with colorfast dyes to produce brilliant designs and bright colors that neither fade nor run.

Interesting info about the origins of tie-dye

In The Beginning

Tie-dye dates back to ancient times. Along with beads, shells, and other ornamentation, our ancestors tie-dyed. Think to the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, in the Bible's Old Testament. He had a beautiful coat of many colors; the envy of his brothers. Could it have been tie-dyed?

Tie-dye became fully developed in China during the T'ang dynasty (618-906 A.D.) and in Japan during the Nara period (552-794 A.D.). The availability of silk and hemp, which are very receptive to the resist technique, made these countries' art outstanding. Some early tribes in Western China, South East Asia, and Central America tied and dyed the threads before weaving their cloth. When it was woven into material, beautiful designs appeared where the white lines of the tie contrasted with the colored dyes. This method is known as ikat.

Early dyes were extracted from roots, flowers, leaves, and berries. These include blackberries, lichen, safflower, marigold, onion, red cabbage, sage, and indigo. Although these dyes are still used today, synthetic dyes have been developed that are permanent, quick-setting, safe, easy to use, and are ensured by accurate formulas. As in ancient times, we still use natural fibers for tie-dyeing. Silks from China, cottons from Egypt, and rayon from Bali are still highly prized. Hemp has always been used as a durable and dyeable natural fabric.

Tie-Dye in Japan

The tie-dye methods using cotton and silk were passed down in Japan, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia, while cotton and raffia were used in many parts of Africa. Pre-Columbian Peruvians used wool and cotton to make ikat designs in their weaving.

From 1568 to 1603, in what's known as the Momoyama period, tsujigahana reached its height. This is an art combining tie-dye with ornamental drawing using Chinese ink called sumi. Tie-dye may be the entire design, or it can be used to create large areas where flowers, landscapes, and trees are drawn into the designs. Traditional dye shops developed new methods, such as shibori for making elegant silk robes.

At that time, Japan was divided into kingdoms. Raids against neighboring kingdoms were common. Warlords would give gifts of recognition to officers displaying bravery in these battles and of the most prized was a tie-dyed kimono or kosode. These have been passed down in some families as prized possessions, and many can be found in museums today. The natural dyes have faded, but the designs of flowers and detailed misty landscapes are spectacular.

These kimonos exhibit interesting variations in the use of tie-dye. One variation was the creation of a white area by tying off a large piece of the material before dyeing. Ink would then be used to draw pictures on the white area. In another design, rice would be tied into the material in little circles, so that when the material was dipped in blue dye, designs of little white circles would be scattered over the deep blue kimono.

The 60's and Beyond

Other forms of tie-dye can be found in other countries around the world. Varied styles of tie-dye have emerged to distinguish the different nations of Africa, the Indian tie-dye technique called Bandhani, also known as Bandhni and Bandhej, is the oldest tie-dye tradition we know that is still practiced. The Malay-Indonesian name for this technique is Plangi. The technique involves a design made of dots, in which many small points are tied with thread before immersion dyeing.

In the U.S. during the Roaring '20s, pamphlets were printed that gave directions on how to decorate home with tie-dyed curtains and throw-pillows. During the Depression, girls cut up cotton flour sacks, tie-dyed them, and then sewed them into clothing, curtains, and tablecloths. When times are rough, tie-dyeing has been a way to brighten peoples' lives.

Tie-dye came back in style in the 1960's when a great movement emerged among young people that emphasized individuality. It was time to "do your own thing." Each person could make a statement by tie-dyeing clothes with a personal combination. Tie-dyed sheets were used as room dividers and wall hangings. Silk and cotton banners were used as backdrops for rock and roll concerts.

Since the 1980's, tie-dye has seen a reemergence as style and as a highly skilled, difficult and labor intensive art form. Many different colors can now be put on one item to get intricate detailed designs in brilliant colors. The dyes, which used to fade so badly, have been replaced by dyes that are permanent and easier to use. They can be in bright rainbows, toned down blues, purples, or earth tones. Pastels are perfect for someone with more conservative tastes. Designs are endless and always completely unique.