How to Tie Dye Tee Shirts

Tie dyeing uses fabric dye and lines to make a design. By gathering the fabric with rubber bands, the dye can't get to all the fabric. The lines make a design. Make any type of design with the rubber bands. For a circle, gather little bits of cloth together, starting in the middle and going out. Use all one color, shades of one color or multiple colors.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber bands
• Rubber gloves
• Fabric dye
• White T-shirt
• Plastic tubs
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Wash the tee shirt and allow it to dry. Cotton tee shirts work best. Colored shirts don't show up correctly with the dye.

2. Prepare the dye by following the directions on the package. One package of dye is enough for one shirt. Prepare one color in each tub. Use as many colors as you want.

3. Lay the tee shirt out flat. Gather the fabric together in small bunches and wrap them in rubber bands. Wrap up both the front and back of the shirt.

4. Put the gloves on to protect your hands from the dye, which will color the hands.

5. Put the tee shirt in a tub of dye. Hold it in there until the color on the shirt is how you want it. To make multiple colors, dip different parts of the shirt in different tubs.

6. Remove the rubber bands. Lay the shirt out to dry completely. Once the shirt is dry, rinse out with cold water. When the water comes off clear, lay the shirt out to dry once again. After its dry, iron it. After ironing, wash it in cold water.

7. Dispose of the dye. Rinse the containers out with a 50/50 bleach water mix.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the instructions on the dye package for any special instructions. Tie dye outside to avoid dye stains on the floor or furniture.

• The dye will stain clothes.

References

• Paula Burch's How to Hand Dye