Tie-dye, or Chinese Zha Ran, is an ancient resist-dyeing technique originated from the central plains area of China. Rencently, three foreign students from Shandong University paid a visit to Zhizhi Aesthetics Art Studio to take a look on this traditional folk dyeing technology.

The process of tie-dye typically consists of folding, twisting, pleating, or crumpling fabrics or a garment and binding with strings or rubber bands, followed by the application by dye(s).

Liu Yang, the founder of the studio, introduced the development and application of tie-dyeing to the three foreigners.

As the name suggests, the process is divided into "tie" and "dye". Tying refers to making the cloth into certain shapes by pinching, creasing and flanging it according to the flower patterns.

After the introduction, Liu taught three foreigners several basic ligation methods. It seems that the ideas boom in the three foreigners’ mind. Following suit with Teacher Liu, they made colorful garments according to their own tastes.

As if Ukrainian Kateryna has a unique perspective on tie-dyeing. Almost every tool she can see, clamps, rubber band, even chopsticks…is useful to her in tie-dyeing. “Honestly, I have no idea for what the pattern I want. I just do what I think at every moment.”

The white fabrics or garment became colorful and beautiful after dyed with bold colors. “You can never know what tie-dyed fabrics like until the last step,” said Liu Ynag. The foreigners were so impressed by the products they made.

“When the fabric is tied by the string, it looks like a lollipop. But after the completion of dyeing, there are several bear patterns! It’s amazing, right?” said Oei Kiem Ma from Indonesia.

Khubab Ahmed is very satisfied with his work and said he wanted to send the picture of it to his friends. “There was no chance for me to know about these traditional techniques before. But this activity makes me an enthusiast of Chinese traditional crafts. Please invite me next time.”