How to Tye-Dye a Fish Shape on a Shirt
Tie-Dye shirts are a colorful addition to any wardrobe. They are an inexpensive addition too, all you need is a white t-shirt and some dyes. Making basic tie-dye shirts is a great way to get started, but making patterns and shapes can be a challenge. Making a fish pattern on your shirt requires a little planning and concentration, but once you master the technique you'll find you are able to create many other shapes as well.
Things You'll Need
- T-shirt
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Cotton string or rubber bands
- Cardboard or poster board (optional)
- Fabric marker
- Dyes
- Ziploc bag
Instructions
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1
Lay your t-shirt on a flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles.
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2
Wet the t-shirt with water from the spray bottle until it is damp, but not dripping.
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3
Create a fish shape out of cardboard or poster board and trace onto t-shirt using fabric marker. The shape can also be drawn freehand.
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4
Accordion fold the fabric along the stenciled line, holding the folded material with your hands as you go. Make sure you've folded along the stenciled line as the gathered material will create the shape on your t-shirt. Using both hands manipulate the gathered material it so that it forms a straight line. Do not worry about how the rest of the shirt sits. Once it is properly gathered secure it with a rubber band or string.
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5
Dye the secured fabric a solid color. Use your hands to work the dye through the fabric to create an even dye job. The secured fabric covered with dye will create the fish shape.
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Dye the unsecured fabric in any tie-dye style you choose.
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Place the dyed t-shirt in a Ziploc bag and store in a warm place for one to two days. Do not store in direct sunlight.
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Remove the t-shirt from the bag and rinse under cool water. Carefully cut away the strings or rubber bands. Squeeze the fabric under the running water and gradually increase the temperature of the water until the water runs clear.
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9
Wash the t-shirt in a washing machine. Use liquid detergent and set the machine for hot wash/cold rinse. Machine or hang-dry to finish.
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References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
