Adire Fabric
Making Adire
Toomey & Koko designs are made from Adire fabrics, which use a resist-dyeing technique native to southwestern Nigeria. The tradition of resist-dyeing using indigo and other natural dyes goes back centuries in west Africa and there are many different methods and techniques. Here’s how we make Toomey & Koko’s fabrics...
Step 1First, we decide on the pattern and design. It isn’t just about what looks good – many patterns and colours carry cultural meaning and significance.
Step 2Then we pre-wash the fabric and let it dry. Because we use high-quality, 100% cotton fabrics, this is an important step to remove any starch before dyeing.
Step 3If we’re using multiple colours in our design, this is when we may dye using the first colour.
Step 4Then we sketch our pattern onto the fabric and use a customised sponge tip applicator dipped in melted candle wax to draw our pattern on the fabric.
Step 5Once the wax has dried, we place the fabric into the dye and soak it so that it takes on a deep, rich colour. The wax-covered areas won’t take on the dye and will stay the original fabric colour. Step 6We then wash the fabric in boiling hot water several times to melt off the wax, before immediately plunging it into cold water to rinse off the dried-on wax.
Step 7If we’re making multiple colours or designs, we repeat steps 4-6 – otherwise, we apply starch to the fabric before hanging and drying it.
Step 8Now the final pattern can be seen and the finished fabric is ready to be worn in all its bright, bold beauty. Enjoy!
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