Homemade Tye Dye

Each member of the family can have his own unique look.

Tie dye is a simple craft that can be done by children of all ages. Homemade tie dye projects include crazy summer t-shirts, curtains and even party favor handkerchiefs. Kids will enjoy the creativity involved in layering colors and creating new designs and patterns. The right products ensure that the dyed items will not bleed in the wash or while perspiring. Everything you need can be found in a grocery or craft store.

Things You'll Need

• White cotton cloth (t-shirt, napkin or other fabric items)
• Fabric dye
• Rubber gloves
• Hot water
• Large bucket
• Large metal spoon
• Rubber bands
• Cold water
• Clothesline
• Clothespins

Instructions

1. Roll the fabric into a long cylinder shape as tight as you can. Place rubber bands on each end to hold it in place.

2. Fold the cylinder and twist the fabric, placing rubber bands in different spots to hold the twists and folds. How many times you do this is up to you. The more twists and folds you create, the more interesting the final product will be.

3. Heat water, being careful not to boil. Pour the hot water into the bucket and add the fabric dye. Stir well to create a color bath.

4. Dip the fabric into the bath using rubber gloves to prevent staining your hands. You can place part of the fabric in the bath or submerge the entire piece; the choice is yours. The longer the fabric is submerged, the more intense the color saturation will be.

5. Pull the fabric out and rinse in cold water until no dye is running from the fabric. This may take a few minutes. When the water runs clear, either dip the fabric in another color bath or remove the rubber bands and examine your creation.

6. Hang your creation to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating two or three color bath buckets will allow, after rinsing one color, additional dippings in different colors, creating a wild blend of tie dye.

References

• RIT Dye: Tie Dyeing
• Family Fun: Tie-dyed T-shirts