Shibori Dyeing Workshop as a Means of Creative Expression for Grade XI Students at SRMA 20 Sleman

Abstract

Arts and culture lessons in many secondary schools still lean heavily on theory, and students at SRMA 20 Sleman had few chances to work with textiles themselves. This community service project gave 20 Grade XI students a shibori workshop in which they folded, tied, and dyed plain cotton tote bags using Itajime, Kumo, and striped folds. The team used a participatory approach: students chose their own folds and colours, while lecturers and university students guided them at each step. The workshop was evaluated through observation, assessment of the finished bags, and a short questionnaire. The targets were for at least 90% of students to finish one product and at least 80% to take an active part. Both were exceeded, as every student completed a bag and joined in the dyeing. The bags showed a wide range of motifs, and some students arrived at new motif variations even with limited materials. Turning a dyeing exercise into a usable product made the lesson more meaningful for the students. The printed module, e-module, and video produced for the workshop allow teachers to repeat the activity in arts and culture classes or extracurricular programmes.