Adire Bloom

 Adire-making is an art that combines creativity, patience, and tradition. Whether you are preserving a cultural heritage or exploring fabric design for fun, making Adire at home is a rewarding process. With a few materials and some guidance, you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces right in your backyard. Materials You’ll Need White cotton fabric (pre-washed to remove sizing) Raffia or strong thread Natural indigo dye or synthetic dye Buckets or dye pots Wooden sticks or clothespins (for pattern shaping) Rubber gloves Old clothes or apron (to protect yourself from stains) Cassava paste (if using the Adire Eleko method) Needle and thread (for stitching patterns in Adire Alabere ) Popular Adire Techniques 1. Adire Oniko (Tie-Dye) Fold, twist, or pleat the fabric in different patterns. Bind sections tightly with raffia or thread to resist the dye. Dip in dye bath until desired shade is reached. 2. Adire Alabere (Stitch-Resist) Use...

  Adire is more than just a fabric — it is a living story, woven into the cultural identity of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Known for its rich indigo hues and intricate patterns, Adire has traveled from the hands of traditional dyers to runways and wardrobes around the world. Origins of Adire The word Adire comes from two Yoruba words — adi (to tie) and re (to dye). The craft dates back to the 19th century, especially in the city of Abeokuta, where women perfected the art of resist dyeing. This involved tying, stitching, or painting patterns on cotton cloth before dipping it into natural indigo dye extracted from local plants. Traditional Techniques Adire-making is a skill passed down through generations. Some popular methods include: Adire Oniko – tying the fabric with raffia or thread to create patterns Adire Alabere – using needle and thread to stitch designs before dyeing Adire Eleko – applying a cassava paste resist before dyeing Each method...