Not Originally the idea of American Hippies from the 1960’s Tie-Dye History Not Originally the idea of American Hippies from the 1960’s Originally known as “Tied-and Dyed”

Pre-Columbian (Peru) 500-810 AD Mudmee tie-dye Originated in Thailand and parts of neighboring Laos. Dyeing as a technique was known to prehistoric man, who used various plant extracts from leaves, bark, flowers, fruits and roots to colour garments. Folding, forming and knotting gave the dye a pattern based on the extent to which the dye penetrated. 

India Indian method called Bandhani Which involves tying small pints of thread and dip-dying, resulting in designs featuring small dots.

Japanese created Shabori & Batik Chinese used to tie dye garments from the 6th century called “ZHA RAN” or “JIAO XIE” which were only worn by priests & nobility. Japanese tie dye goes back to 552 AD developing Shibori- areas of fabric were restricted from reaching dye through intricate patterns of stitching, tying and folding using sticks, rocks, threads and rubber bands. VERY LABOR INTENSIVE Used Sumi Dye to paint certain designs a patterns which became darker after dyeing as compared to the surrounding areas.

African Also used Tie-dye techniques for centuries In the Hausa region of West Africa with the renowned INDIGODYE pits located in and around Kano, Nigeria. The tie-dyed clothing It has been suggested that these African techniques were the inspiration for the tie-dyed garments identified with the hippie movement.

1960’s Tie-Dye comes to America “Tie-dye” is the modern term meaning- the process of folding, twisting, pleating or crumpling fabric and binding with string or rubber bands followed by the application of dye(s). Typically characterized with bright saturated primary colors and bold patterns. manipulation of the fabric prior to application of dye Started during the Hippie movement Hippies wanted to escape from the strict social norms of the 50’s Same time as the sexual revolution, psychedelic rock & Vietnam war protesting.

Typical American tie-dye examples