Things You'll Need:
- White t-shirt
- Fabric dye
- 3 gallon stainless steel container
- Cup of salt
- Rubber bands
- Long-handled wooden spoon or stainless steel spoon
- Tongs
- Water
- Rubber gloves
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Step 1
Set up an area that you don't mind getting dirty, like outside on the grass or cover a table with plastic sheeting so the fabric dye doesn't ruin it.
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Step 2
Mix the fabric dye according to the package instructions in a large 3 gallon stainless steel container. A plastic container will get stained if you use it.
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Step 3
Add a cup of salt to the dye bath to enhance the color of the dye. This will make your tie dye pattern look better on your t-shirt.
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Step 4
Lay the t-shirt flat. Hold a fork in the center of the shirt and twist. Bather it into a circle and wrap 5-6 rubber bands around the t-shirt. This will make the spiral pattern of the tie dye.
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Step 5
Immerse the t-shirt into hot water and wring out the excess water.
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Step 6
Soak your wet t-shirt in the dye bath. Stir the shirt frequently with a wooden or stainless steel spoon. Be aware if you use wood, it will get stained. Leave the shirt in the dye for anywhere from 15-30 minutes. The longer you leave the shirt in the dye, the deeper the color.
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Step 7
To get a multi-colored tie dye, hold sections of the shirt in the dye bath making sure not to overlap any colors. You may need tongs for this to hold the t-shirt and this will take longer to do.
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Step 8
Remove the t-shirt from the container with tongs. Rinse it under warm water that gradually gets cooler. Do this until the water runs clear off the shirt. You will want to wear rubber gloves for this so that you don't stain your hands.
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Step 9
Carefully take the rubber bands off the shirt and allow it to air dry on a clothes line or on a flat surface.
