From observation one may think that shibori and tie-dyeing are the same, however the two art forms differ greatly. Shibori uses thread and wooden blocks to produce a series of ties and folds that creates repeating patterns, however tie dyeing uses the twisting and tying of fabric to create spiral-like patterns. Furthermore, shibori incorporates one color while tie dyeing includes numerous colors. Tie-dyeing can be considered a Western appropriation of the Japanese artform. While shibori is strategic in its dyeing, folding and binding methods, tie-dyeing is simplified because its designs and binding techniques are often spontaneous and not predetermined.
