How to Tie-Dye Sheets

Tie-dyeing fabric is an artistic endeavor that adds color and zest to an ordinary piece of cloth. Why not turn your plain, solid-color sheets into a rainbow of hues? Tie-dyed sheets can complement a room that already has a bright, hippie-inspired theme, or they can add a single point of interest to an otherwise "normal" color scheme. By following a series of easy steps, you can transform your sheets.

Things You'll Need

• Sheets Fabric dye Rubber bands Washer Clothes line Plastic gloves Squirt or spray bottles

Instructions

1. Gather your supplies. Use a white or light-colored cotton sheet. If your sheet is new, wash it once or twice to remove any protective finish. Decide on at least two colors of clothing dye. Make sure the colors you choose will complement your bedroom.

2. Prepare the sheet. Spread the sheet out flat. Gather a section of sheet, twist it and secure it with a rubber band. Repeat this across the surface of the entire sheet. The size and number of the sections can vary according to the look you are trying to achieve. Once your sheet is tied, hang it over a clothes line outside.

3. Prepare the dye. Read the instructions as they may vary across different brands. Mix according to your brand's instructions. Unless your particular dyes come with bottles, pour the mixed dye solution into squirt or spray bottles.

4. Put on gloves and apply the dye. Spray your sheets with the dye solutions in your bottles. If you get dye on your skin, wash it off right away. The fabric needs to stay wet with dye for at least two to three hours. If you live in a very hot, arid area, you may want to perform the dying process in the cooler hours of early morning or evening so that your sheet won't dry too quickly.

5. Take down your sheets and untie them. Wash them in cold water first and then in hot water. You might want to wash them separately the first few times afterward, as they might leak some color onto other clothing items. Eventually, the colors should not run at all upon washing.