How to tie dye using rit powder

Tie-dye is making a comeback or perhaps it never really went out of style in the first place. In any even, crazy kids and nostalgic adults can tie dye their T-shirts, linens, scarves, jeans and even lingerie using RIT powder.

Things You'll Need

• Large pots to make dyebaths
• RIT powder in multi-colors
• Clothing to dye (preferably 65 to 100 percent cotton)
• Rubber dish gloves
• Rubber bands, sturdy string or scraps of fabric
• Long wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Grab the item of clothing you want to tie dye by one corner. Twist it into a tight rope until it begins to twist in on itself. The item should be almost folded in half and in a tight knot of sorts. Fasten the ends together with heavy rubber bands, sturdy string or long scraps of fabric.

2. 

   Prepare the dyebaths. For every color you want to use, heat 2 gallons of water to a temperature just below boiling. For best results, use a large metal pot. Put on your rubber gloves and add 1 package of RIT powder to each dyebath.

3. Place the clothing in the lightest color dyebath as the dye continues to heat to not-quite-simmering. Stir the item in the dyebath for 5 to 10 minutes--depending on how dark or bright you want the color to be.

4. Use a long wooden spoon or pair of tongs to remove the clothing from the dyebath. Rinse it continually under the cold faucet until the water runs clear. Untie the item and repeat the rinse.

5. Twist the item again if you want to add a new color. Try to tuck some of the already dyed portions into the middle or beginning your twist at a different corner. Tie if off again and repeat the dyebath process with a darker color.

6. Wash the item of clothing in warm water with a mild laundry detergent, like Woolite, after you've untied it and rinsed it completely. After washing in detergent, rinse it in cold water once again.

7. 

   Squeeze the water out of the item by rolling it in a towel, as wringing before it is dry can ruin the pattern. Hang your item up to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can create a striped tie-dye effect with RIT powder by using the same process. The only difference is that instead of twisting the item or clothing, you'll need to accordion-fold it, then fold the gathered fabric in half and secure this "rope" every couple of inches or so with rubber bands or string.

• Be sure to use pots you don't need to use again for cooking. You can usually find old pots and saucepans for very little money at local thrift stores.

• RIT dye will stain your clothing and skin. That is, after all, what it's designed to do. Protect your skin with gloves, long sleeves and pants. If you're worried about your clothes, wear an apron or some old sweats.