Hey y’all! Today, we’re talking about crafting and specifically tie dyeing. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on some serious fun! And, as a bonus, you get some super cute and unique clothing out of it.
First things first, let’s talk supplies.
Obviously, you need some tie dye. You can find it at craft stores or online in a variety of colors. I recommend getting a kit with several colors so you can experiment and see what you like best.
You’ll also need a few other things:
- White clothing or fabric to dye
- Protective gloves
- Plastic baggies or plastic wrap
- A flat surface to dye on
- A spray bottle with water
Now, let’s get to the fun part!
First, pre-wash your clothing or fabric to remove any dirt or sizing. Don’t use fabric softener, as it can affect how the dye sticks to the fabric.
Next, prepare your dye according to the instructions on the package. Some dyes require hot water, while others can be mixed with cold water. Make sure you mix enough dye for your project.
Now it’s time to prepare your fabric. There are a variety of tie dye techniques, but the most common is the spiral.
The Spiral:
Start by laying your fabric flat. If you want a center design, fold the fabric in half and then twist it in the center. If you don’t want a center design, just twist the fabric from one corner.
Wrap rubber bands around the fabric to create sections for the dye to soak into.
Now, it’s time to dye! Using your squirt bottle, apply the dye to each section. Make sure you saturate the fabric well.
Once you’ve applied all the dye, put the fabric in a plastic baggie or wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it sit for at least 6 hours to allow the dye to set.
After 6 hours, rinse your fabric with cold water until the water runs clear. It’s important to rinse out as much excess dye as possible, or it can bleed onto other clothing in the wash.
Wash your fabric in cold water with a mild detergent, and then dry it. Congratulations, you now have a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing!
There are so many ways to get creative with tie dye. Here are a few more techniques to try:
The Crumple:
Crumple your fabric into a ball and secure it with rubber bands. Apply the dye in a random pattern, making sure to saturate the fabric well. Let it sit for at least 6 hours and then rinse and wash as usual.
The Stripe:
Fold your fabric accordion-style and then secure it with rubber bands. Apply the dye in a straight line down each section between the rubber bands. Let it sit for at least 6 hours and then rinse and wash as usual.
Have you tried tie dyeing before? What’s your favorite technique? Let us know in the comments!