Things You'll Need
White bandannas
Elastic bands
Rubber gloves
Dye packets in various colors
Stainless steel pots
Warm water
Stainless steel spoon
Scissors
Drying rack or clothes dryer
Tie-dyeing was a funky fad in the 1960's and continues to be popular today. While the many designs and patterns can be intricate, the basic technique for successful tie-dyeing remains the same. Tie-dyeing bandanas is a popular birthday party activity or summer camp craft for children. With proper care, the bandanas will provide years of use.
Prepping the bandannas
Step 1
Lay the bandanna flat on hard surface.
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Step 2
Grasp the center of the fabric and pull up so the rest of the bandanna drapes from this point.
Step 3
Secure an elastic band around the bandanna center roughly 1 inch from the top, making sure the band is as tightly wound as possible.
Step 4
Wind more elastic bands snugly along the length of the remaining fabric at 1 inch intervals.
Preparing the dye
Step 1
Fill as many stainless steel pots with warm water as you need to make individual colors.
Step 2
Put rubber gloves on your hands before opening dye packets.
Step 3
Dissolve dye packets in the individual pots to create all of the colors you desire.
Step 4
Stir the dye with a stainless steel spoon to distribute the color even throughout the water.
Tie-dyeing the bandanas
Step 1
Dip sections of the bandana into individual colors of dye roughly 1 inch at a time, making sure to really saturate each section. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid.
Step 2
Allow bandana to air dry for 24 hours with the elastic bands in place.
Step 3
Cut the elastic bands with scissors and remove them from the bandana.
Step 4
Flatten the bandana and dry completely either on a drying rack or in a clothes dryer.
Tip
Wash bandanas in cold water with like colors to avoid excess dye staining other garments.
Do not use enamel-lined pots; they will absorb the dye.
Warning
Touching the dye without gloves may temporarily stain your hands.
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