The last in a 3-part series of bleaching experiments. This t-shirt was treated in the same way as the previous experiment, but had quite a different result. It reminded me of the Japanese technique of Shibori dyeing. This is how I created a bleach shibori shirt:
I started with a dark brown t-shirt which had bleach stains. That meant I either needed to throw it away or try to redeem it. I concertina-folded both the body of the shirt and the sleeves, and tied them up with thick string.
See the previous experiment for more details of the techniques I used – How I did the folding and the bleaching. 
How to Remove Colour from Fabric :
- Mix some household bleach and boiling water in the ratio of about 1:20.
- Make sure there is enough to easily cover the shirt and allow for free movement, so that it would bleach evenly.
- Soak the shirt, stirring often.
- Observe the colour change. Thoroughly rinse the shirt when you want the bleaching to stop.
- A simple process, and a ‘new’ item
Some bleaching hints and tips to bear in mind:
- There’s no guarantee of the outcome. Sometimes the colour will lighten, sometimes all the colour will bleach away, and sometimes you are left with an underlying colour. The fabric may even disintegrate if it is fragile.
- Keep the article moving freely, to make sure that it bleaches evenly.
- Use warm water.
- Keep the time that the article is in the water to a minimum, as the bleach will weaken the fabric
- Be aware that the stitching often remains darker or does not bleach
- Protect the clothing you are wearing. You don’t want to accidentally bleach them in the process.
- Remember that bleaching patterned or striped fabric can give you an interesting result.
- Cotton and linen work best. Synthetic fabrics tend to keep their colour.
- What should you bleach? Clothing that has accidental bleach stains, tired or stained clothing, or clothing you would like to experiment with.
- Boutonniere available to order from Freshly Found.
Highly recommended technique – Bleach Shibori!
