How to Make the Basic Spiral Pattern on Tie Dye Shirts

The spiral pattern is the most basic of the tie dye patterns. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other tie dye patterns. The spiral is created by the way the shirt is tied before being placed in the dye.

Things You'll Need

• Shirt
• Spray bottle
• Three rubber bands
• Bowl large enough for liquid, dye and shirt
• Fabric dye

Instructions

1. Spray water on the shirt with a spray bottle. The shirt doesn't need to be thoroughly soaked, but it should be wet enough so that it will take a shape more easily.

2. Pinch the very center of the front of the shirt and twist it around that center point. It can be twisted either clockwise or counterclockwise. Twist the shirt around that point until the entire shirt is twisted into a ball. You can now take you fingers out of the center.

3. Use the spray bottle again to keep the shirt in its ball shape. Simply spraying a small amount of water along the outer edges of the shirt should be enough to keep it in shape.

4. Tie a string or wrap a rubber band around the outside of the ball. Then, wrap two bands or strings across the ball in an X pattern.

5. Get a bowl or plastic box full of dye ready. Place the balled-up shirt into your dye. It can be placed into the dye standing up or flat against the bottom. Leave it for about 10 minutes.

6. Allow the shirt to cool before removing the rubber bands. After removing the bands, flatten the shirt to see the spiral pattern. Rinse the shirt and then iron it before wearing to ensure that the dye will remain.