Katazome: Resist & Reveal

Japanese Stencil Dyeing Immersion at Aya Fiber Studio

Katazome is one of Japan’s most refined and poetic textile traditions — a process built on patience, repetition, resist, and reveal.

In this immersive workshop at Aya Fiber Studio, students will explore the traditional art of Japanese stencil dyeing using hand-cut katagami stencils, rice paste resist, layered pattern, and dye application techniques rooted in centuries of Japanese cloth practice.

This workshop is designed for artists, textile enthusiasts, surface designers, quilters, printers, dyers, and makers who are drawn to pattern, process, and the quiet beauty of slow cloth.

Rather than rushing toward finished products, students will work through the disciplined rhythm of preparing cloth, cutting or working with stencils, applying resist, building layered imagery, and understanding how repetition and imperfection create visual depth within handmade textiles.

What You’ll Explore

Students may explore:

  • Traditional and contemporary katazome approaches

  • Katagami stencil design and use

  • Rice paste resist application

  • Pattern repetition and registration

  • Layered imagery and surface development

  • Indigo and pigment applications

  • Cloth preparation and handling

  • Traditional Japanese textile aesthetics

  • Building depth through repetition and restraint

  • Working with negative space and visual rhythm

The emphasis is on process, understanding, and thoughtful cloth development rather than mass production or fast results.

  • Katazome is deeply tactile.

    The consistency of rice paste, the angle of the stencil, pressure of application, moisture within the cloth, registration of repeated imagery, and pacing of the process all affect the final result. These are details best understood through direct demonstration and hands-on guidance.

    Aya Fiber Studio is intentionally designed for immersive small-group learning with ample workspace, large tables, dye areas, sinks, and individualized instruction.

    Students work within a focused studio environment where discussion, observation, experimentation, and process are equally valued.

  • The Aya Fiber Studio Experience

    Aya Fiber Studio has become a destination for immersive textile workshops, with students traveling from across the United States to study Japanese textile traditions, indigo dyeing, shibori, surface design, stitch, papermaking, and mixed-media cloth processes.

    Classes are intentionally small to allow:

    • Individual attention

    • Meaningful critique and guidance

    • Adequate workspace

    • Access to specialized tools and materials

    • A true retreat-style learning environment

    This is not a crowded convention-style workshop. It is a slower, deeper studio experience designed around process and immersion.

  • This workshop welcomes:

    • Beginners with strong interest in Japanese textiles

    • Surface designers

    • Fiber artists

    • Quilters

    • Printmakers

    • Mixed media artists

    • Indigo and shibori students wishing to expand their practice

    • Artists interested in slow process and handmade pattern

    No prior katazome experience is required unless otherwise noted for a specific session.

Upcoming Workshop Dates

March 22–26, 2027

📍 Aya Fiber Studio — Stuart, Florida

[Register Here]

Additional dates may be added seasonally.

Travel & Studio Information

Aya Fiber Studio is located in historic Stuart, Florida, a coastal arts community along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Many students travel in from out of state and choose to treat workshops as immersive creative retreats. Nearby lodging, airports, studio details, and travel recommendations can be found on the Plan Your Visit section of the website.

Nearest airports:

  • Palm Beach International (PBI)

  • Vero Beach Regional Airport

Related Workshops

  • Shibori Fundamentals: A One-Day Introduction & Practice→

  • Stitch Resist Intensive: Kumo & Nui Shibori→

  • Shibori Mastery: Cloth, Process & Indigo Retreat→

  • Japan Textile Journeys→

Frequently Asked Questions

Are materials included?

Specific materials information will be listed for each workshop session. Many studio tools and specialty materials are provided for use during class.

Is this workshop beginner friendly?

Yes. Dedicated beginners are welcome, though experienced textile artists will also find depth within the process.

Will we work with authentic Japanese techniques?

Yes. The workshop draws from traditional Japanese katazome methods and aesthetics while remaining accessible within a contemporary studio setting.

Is this workshop physically demanding?

Students should be comfortable standing periodically, moving around studio tables, and working with detailed hand processes over extended periods.

Reserve Your Space

Workshops at Aya Fiber Studio are intentionally small and often fill early due to limited seating and the immersive nature of the experience.

Early registration is encouraged, particularly for destination students arranging travel and lodging.

[Register for Upcoming Dates]