How to Tie-Dye a Spiral Pattern on a T-Shirt
One of the tie-dye patterns typically used on T-shirts is the spiral. A spiral pattern can be in one color, or you can do it in multiple colors. Choose colors that work well together for the best effect. The key to the spiral pattern is in how you fold and twist the shirt before you start to die it.
Things You'll Need
- White T-shirt
- Fabric dye
- 3-gallon stainless steel container
- Rubber bands
- Long-handled wooden spoon or stainless steel spoon
- Tongs
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
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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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Mix the fabric dye according to the package instructions in a three-gallon stainless steel container. A plastic container will get stained.
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Immerse the T-shirt into hot water and wring out the excess water.
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Lay the T-shirt flat. Hold a fork in the center of the shirt and twist. Gather and twist the shirt until it forms a circle. Wrap five or six rubber bands around the T-shirt in different directions to hold the spiral in place.
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Soak the wet T-shirt in the dye bath. Stir the shirt frequently with a wooden or stainless steel spoon. Leave the shirt in the dye for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer you leave the shirt in the dye, the deeper the color. Remove it when it is slightly darker than the color you are trying to achieve.
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Hold sections of the shirt in the dye bath making sure not to overlap any colors if you want a multi-colored tie-dyed shirt. Use tongs to hold the T-shirt.
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Remove the T-shirt from the dye with tongs. Rinse it under warm water that gradually gets cooler. Do this until the water runs clear off the shirt.
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Take the rubber bands off the shirt and allow it to air dry on a clothes line or on a flat surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear rubber gloves whenever you are working with the dye.
Wear clothes that you don't mind ruining as the dye will stain your clothing. Or wear an apron over your clothes to protect them from stains.
References
- Photo Credit kalierin@www.scx.hu
