How to Make Multiple Color Tie Dye Shirts
Tie dye adds interest to an otherwise plain outfit. This method of adding color to clothing became popular during the 1960s and continues to thrive today. The tie dye process involves tying the shirt before applying the dye, which determines the patterns the dye will form. This multicolor tie dye technique is straightforward and becomes simpler to do with practice.
Things You'll Need
- 100 percent cotton shirt
- Sodium carbonate
- Water
- Twine or rubber bands
- Rubber gloves
- Dye, colors of your choice
- Squeeze bottles
- Plastic bag
Instructions
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1
Wash and dry your shirt, if it is new, to remove chemicals remaining from the manufacturing process.
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2
Mix a cup of sodium carbonate with a gallon of water. Soak the shirt in the solution for an hour.
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3
Fold the shirt in pleats and then tie it tightly at intervals with twine or rubber bands. In "The Hippie Handbook," authors Chelsea Cain and Lia Mitenique also suggest tying the shirt the way you wish to create your own design.
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4
Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the dye.
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5
Mix the dye. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer for best results. Pour each color into a squeeze bottle.
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6
Squirt one color onto one unbound section of the shirt and apply just enough to saturate the fabric. If you apply too much dye, the solution will seep through the bound area to the next section of loose fabric. If you apply too little, there will be white patches where you want color. Squirt a different color on each of the remaining sections of loose fabric.
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Place the shirt in a plastic bag. Leave it for two to 24 hours so the dye can set.
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8
Hand wash the shirt to remove the excess water. Wash the shirt successively in cold, warm and then hot water. Stop washing when the shirt is colorfast.
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9
Hang the tie dye shirt outside to air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
The dye solution is excessive if it drips from the fabric. Squeeze the shirt just enough to remove the excess liquid.
