How to Make a Tie Dye T-Shirt
In the sixties, tie-dye was all the rage. It represented one part of the youth rebellion against the establishment. There were tie-dyed shirts, dresses, hats and even shoes. The bright multi-colored garments were everywhere, from newborn babes to grandpas in rocking chairs. Today, tie-dying is once again becoming popular as a new generation of youth find their voices. Luckily, the process is easy, fun and inexpensive. All it takes is some creativity and a little bit of time.
Instructions
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1
Decide the various colors of dyes to be used. Somewhere between one and three different colors are generally used.
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2
Determine how much of the shirt to tie-dye. Do the whole shirt, only the center front and/or back, or the sleeves.
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3
Mix the various dyes to be used in large bowls or containers. Be sure to follow the directions on the dye packet or bottle.
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4
Make tepee tie-dye knots. Gather a part of the shirt, pulling it upward into a tepee shape. Secure tightly with a rubber band.Make reverse tepee tie-dye knots. Push the tepee-formed piece inward to make a rose-like shape for a different effect. Secure it in place with a rubber band. Poke the shirt inward to form a reverse tepee for a different effect. Secure tightly with a rubber band.
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5
For multiple tie-dye circles, secure the piece with more than a single rubber band. Place multiple rubber bands in all different directions to form multiple shapes in differing sizes.
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6
Gather up the bottom of the T-shirt or its sleeves to form a tie-day line that will go all the way around the shirt. Secure and gather in place with a rubber band.
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7
Pleat the shirt sleeves or T-shirt bottom from end to end and secure with a rubber band.
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8
Repeat any and all of the steps as often as you like until the shirt is totally marked with rubber bands.
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9
Drop all or part of the shirt into the lightest-colored dye first. Let it stand as long as recommended on the dye’s instructions. Once complete, pull it out of the dye and rinse thoroughly.
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10
Repeat the above step with different areas of the shirt until all of the dyes desired have been used. Rinse thoroughly after each application.
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Once all of the colors have been applied as desired, do a final rinse with clear running water.
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Allow the shirt to at least partially dry before removing any of the rubber bands.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose fabric dyes that are marked safe for the environment as well as for people. Not all dyes fall within that category.
For a more conservative effect, use only one or two dye colors.
Use your own creativity to come up with new knot designs for the shirt.
Be careful not to allow the various dye colors to run together, unless that is part of the desired effect.
If the rubber band is not tightly secured, the dye will seep through, ruining the tie-dye effect.
Don’t wear the shirt until it has been properly laundered in cool to warm water.
