How to make a circle design tie-dyed shirt

Making tie-dye shirts is very easy and fun, and produces interesting designs. Its a safe and simple way to indulge in a colorful craft with friends or family. Follow these steps to make a tie-dye shirt that will have rings of color as the finished design.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shirt made of at least 60% cotton
• Lots of rubber bands
• Fabric dye
• Rubber gloves
• Plastic bag big enough to hold the shirt
• Old newspaper
• Salt
• Cleaning supplies (If dye should spill)

1. 

   First lay your shirt out flat onto your work surface.

2. 

   Grab random pieces of the shirt by both layers and wrap a rubber band or two tightly around to form small bumps of fabric all over the shirt.

3. Fill your large bucket or sink with hot water.

4. 

   Now add your dye of choice. Use 1/2 cup of liquid dye for every 2 gallons of water.

5. 

   Then mix in 1/4 cup of salt for every 2 gallons of water.

6. 

   Put on your rubber gloves and place the bound-up shirt into the dye vat. Hold it under the surface until it stops floating and lays on the bottom.

7. 

   Remove the shirt from the dye vat approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, and place it safely onto a laid out newspaper to dry.

8. 

   Let the shirt dry for 24 hours and then remove the rubber bands.

9. Once completely dry, your tie-dye shirt is ready to wear.

Tips & Warnings

• The longer you leave your shirt in the dye, the darker the color will appear on the shirt. Exceeding one hour in the dye is not usually necessary.
• If you are going to have more than one color on your shirt, start with the lightest of these colors.
• Let your shirt completely dry before adding the next color.
• Keep your cleaning supplies handy because accidents do happen, and a fabric dye spill needs immediate attention.
• When washing your newly dyed clothing be sure to use the cold water setting for the first few times to keep the dye from bleeding in the wash.

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/18/2009 I have always wanted to do this. I have the dye sitting here!

[pepper0617]

on 2/18/2009 Tye dying has come back. It always looks good, and such fun to tye dye your own shirts.