On December 12, 2021, the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta organized a shibori-making workshop for instructors and community members. The event took place at the Ledok Gowok village meeting room at 9:00 AM. Participants included local women from the Ledok Gowok village. The workshop began with an opening by the MC, Mr. Ardyan Pramudya Kurniawan, M.Si, followed by a presentation by Dr. Isma Kurniatanty.

During the presentation, Dr. Kurniatanty explained shibori, a popular dyeing technique in Indonesia. The term “shibori” originates from the Japanese word “shiboru,” which means fabric dyeing using binding and immersion. The shibori technique involves protecting certain areas of the fabric while applying color to others. Folding, tying, binding, and dipping into dyes create intricate patterns. Although the resulting motifs are often reminiscent of batik, shibori is simpler and easier to execute. It’s no wonder this fabric is sometimes referred to as “Japanese batik.”

The presentation also covered various shibori pattern techniques, including itajime, arashi, kumo, and nui. Dr. Kurniatanty explained the functions of materials used in the workshop, such as raffia strings, popsicle sticks, spoons, pencils, scissors, chopsticks, fabric dyes, rubber bands, basins, water, soap, plastic sheets, and primis cloth.