How to Make a Tie Dye With a V on the Bottom

The V-pattern reflects colors radiating from a center line.

Tie-dye uses ties to create a ripple pattern effect on fabric. The method of dying was popularized in the 1960s to create a psychedelic look. Today it is worn by anyone who wishes to reflect a colorful pattern, carefree spirit or rock 'n' roll attitude. The V-pattern in tie die is created by scrunching the fabric along the line of a V and tying. Colors can be applied in any order desired; the most popular is the rainbow pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Table
• Plastic sheeting
• Sink rack
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic apron
• Bucket
• Water
• 1 tbsp. soda ash
• White cotton T-shirt
• Washable marker (green or blue)
• 3 rubber bands or sinew
• Scissors
• Tie-dye colors of choice (at least 3)
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

Prepare the Work Station

1. Set up a table in a space that will not be damaged by errant dyes. Cover the table with a plastic sheet. A garbage bag is an acceptable alternative.

2. Set a metal or plastic sink rack on the table. The purpose of the sink rack is to allow excess dye to run off the T-shirt. Leave room to flatten the shirt later. If you are working with a small table, just set the rack to the side until it is time to dye.

3. Place the washable marker, rubber bands or sinew, scissors and bottles of dye on the table for reaching.

4. Don plastic gloves and a plastic apron. A garbage bag with arms and a head cut out may be used in place of a plastic apron.

5. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 1 tbsp. of soda ash.

V-Pattern Tie-Dying

1. Soak the white T-shirt in the bucket of water with soda ash until saturated. The soda ash will prepare the shirt for the tie-dye chemicals. Ring the water from the shirt. Flatten the shirt on the table. Note that the shirt should face you, so you can see the tag. Smooth out any wrinkles. Fold the shirt in half from right to left so the front of the shirt is in the middle. Smooth out any wrinkles.

2. Draw a half V on the shirt with the green washable marker, with the point of the V ending somewhere along the fold of the shirt. Make sure to end the point of the V exactly where and how you would like it to appear. Some V-dyed shirts reflect a sharp end or a softer U-like end. Some points end high up on the chest and others end at the bottom hem. An upside-down V is a fine choice as well. Whatever you choose, this green line will be the guide for the next step.

3. Scrunch the cotton in small pleats along the green line using the fingers from each hand. Pinch the pleats together as you move along the line. Eventually the green line will appear straight. Pinch any remaining cotton together with the pleats.

4. Tie or band the shirt in three sections. The first section should start 2 inches to the right of the green line. The second section should be across the green line. The third section should be to the left of the green line.

5. Set the shirt on the sink rack to dye. Start with the color you wish to use for the sleeves. If using three colors, soak the shirt with die from the end to the first band. Apply the next color from the first band to the second. Apply the third color from the second band to the third. Use the first color again to complete the dying from the third band to the still-white end. Flip the shirt over and go over the colors a second time. Allow the shirt to dry for eight hours. Cut the bands or strings. Wash the shirt in hot water and laundry soap.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a look at the shirt before you wash it. The colors will be brilliant, but will fade in the wash to complete the tie-dye look.

References

• World News: How to Tie-Dye a V-Pattern
• Disney Family: Tie-dyed T-Shirts
• Wild Flower Dyes: Tie Dye Instructions And Techniques
• Paula Burch: How to Tie Dye - Complete Instructions