Easy Tie Dye Scarf

I used another scarf to measure the length.

Because I wanted vertical stripes, I rolled it the long way.

The scarf was acting up a bit, so I pinned it into place across the length of the roll.

Time to start tying. I spaced rubber bands about an inch apart, wrapping them around the roll three times to make sure it was nice and tight.

This is where I started to get nervous that I didn't have enough rubber bands.

And I was right. I subbed in embroidery thread, which doesn't bleed, as well as some yarn to finish tying it off. For my money, I'd go with the rubber bands. Way easier.

It's already starting to look good, and I haven't even finished it!

The fabric needs to soak in soda ash, which makes the fabric bond with the dye, for at least 20 minutes.

While the scarf was soaking, I mixed my dye. My dye kit came with 3 colors: red, blue and yellow. I decided that I wanted a magenta-colored scarf, so I mixed the blue and red.

Time to start dying!

I tried not to get the dye too close to the rubber bands, but made sure to get it in any folds in the fabric.

It looks like a pile of intestines. But I have faith.

....24 long hours later, it's time to rinse. And rinse. And rinse. Be forewarned, it takes about 20 minutes of rinsing before the water runs clean. After rinsing, it's into the dryer for my scarf!

I washed the scarf in detergent for darks just to be safe.

I wanted a circle scarf, so I did a quick basting stitch to attach the ends. And yes I fully plan to redo this with a stronger stitch and thread that actually matches.