How to Tye Dye Spirals

A classic spiral tie dye shirt.

The spiral is probably the most iconic tie dye design, so you won't be surprised to learn it is also one of the easiest. You can use just one color for this pattern or you can use up to eight. The more colors you use, the more psychedelic and swirly your tie dye will be. Because tie dying is such a fun activity, this is a great project to do outside on a hot summer day and a great project to do with kids.

Things You'll Need

• White shirt
• Pencil or pen
• Rubber bands
• 1 to 8 colors of dye
• 1 to 8 squirt bottles, dependent on how many colors you use

Instructions

1. Lay your shirt down flat on your work surface. Place the tip of your pencil or pen in the center of your shirt and spin it around so that the fabric twists around it in a spiraling shape.

2. Wrap several rubber bands at random around the twisted cloth so that it maintains its shape.

3. Mix your dyes according to manufacturer's instructions and pour each one into a squirt bottle.

4. Apply the dye to the fabric it stripes that begin at the center of the spiral and radiate towards the edges. Use the nozzle of the squirt bottle to get dye deep into the folds of the fabric. Alternate colors and make sure that the shirt is fairly saturated with dye when you are done.

5. Place the shirt, still bundled, in a ziploc bag and let sit overnight.

6. Remove shirt from plastic bag after 24 hours. Rinse under cold water. Remove rubber bands and continue to rinse until the water runs clear. Machine or line dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the dye colors you use will blend together, so try to choose colors that complement each other

• You may want to wear plastic gloves or wrap your work surface in plastic to avoid staining your skin or furniture with dye.

References

• Jacquard Products: Spiral Shirt, Noelle Faulkner