If a cloth is tied before it enters the dye bath, the ties will act as a resist and a distinctive pattern will result. Multiple colours may be obtained through careful planning of the process and by repeating the technique. When the cloth is allowed to dry with the ties in place a sculptural piece will result.

It is the form of this cloth that gives as much joy and satisfaction as the colours. These cloths have a natural elasticity and possess a compelling life of their own.

The three terms bandhani, shibori, and plangi identify tie and dye resists in Indian, Japanese, and Indonesian cultures. In every case the preparation of the cloth is an exacting process. Not only must the ties be made uniformly and with equal tightness, but the location of the binding threads must be carefully placed to achieve the final pattern.

Sculptured cloth is a traditional art. Maiwa seeks to preserve the continuity of these processes by working with tie and dye artisans to produce sculptural shawls and by incorporating bandhani-patterned flat cloth into its clothing.