How to tie-dye a shirt?

So, you know what that means: It’s time to get your craft on! A great, fun, and creative way to recycle an old shirt is by tie-dyeing it. Let’s dive in!

Gather your supplies

Before you begin, be sure you have the following:

• A white summer cotton skirt or trousers: Cotton is the best material for bold tie-dye colors.
• Rubber bands: These will be used to make the tie-dye patterns.
• Rubber gloves: Keep your hands safe from the dye.
• Old newspapers or plastic sheeting: Cover your workspace.
• Salt: Helps set the dye.
• White vinegar: Sets the dye.
• Your choice in liquid fabric dye: Choose your favorite colors!
• Plastic tubs or buckets: To mix the dye.
• Squeeze bottles or droppers: For dyeing.
• Cups: To measure out the dye.

Prepare your workspace

Do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated room and choose an area that you don’t mind getting dirty. Use cool, clear water and make sure to cover your workspace in newspapers or plastic sheeting due to inevitable dye spills.

Prepare your shirt

• Choose a shirt one size smaller (e.g., if your shirt is an M, order an S).
• Wash your shirt without fabric softener.
• Wet your shirt before dyeing; this helps the dye absorb more fully.

Tie-dye techniques

There are infinite ways to tie-dye a shirt. Some common methods to begin are:

The classic spiral

1. Place your shirt flat on a covered surface.
2. Grab the middle of your shirt and begin to tightly twist it into a spiral.
3. Fasten the spiral using rubber bands every so often.

The bullseye

1. Lay your shirt flat.
2. Start by pinching the center of your shirt and forming it into an almost rosebud.
3. Use rubber bands to tie it securely.

The crumpled look

1. Ball up the shirt.
2. Attach the crumpled shirt using rubber bands.

The shibori technique

• Use techniques like accordion pleats or other patterns.
• Secure with rubber bands around the folds.

Mixing your dyes

For best results, follow the directions on your dye packaging. Most of the time, you will dye it with water in some plastic tub or bucket.

Applying the dye

• Put on your rubber gloves!
• Play with color: Use one, two, or fused colors for a bit of oomph.
• Apply the dye: Place your tied-up shirt inside a cookie sheet and apply the dye to different sections using squeeze bottles or droppers. Be generous with the dye!
• Cover the shirt: Use plastic wrap to cover the entire shirt after dye application.

Setting the dye

1. Let it sit: After dyeing, let the shirt sit for at least 6-8 hours (or overnight).
2. Remove the rubber bands and rinse your shirt in cold water until it runs clear.
3. Vinegar and salt: Mix one cup of white vinegar with a cup of salt in a large pot of cold water. Soak the shirt in this solution for 30 minutes.
4. The last wash: Wash the shirt once more using cold water until clear.
5. Wash and dry: Wash the shirt by itself on cold before you dare throw it in the dryer.

Tips for amazing results

• Experiment: Try different colors and techniques. There is no right or wrong way to tie-dye. Enjoy and be yourself!
• Protect your work area: Dye is messy, and you never know what it might stain.

So now dream away! Create your own lovable tie-dye works of art, and boast a bit about how you made something yourself.

You can download tie dye patterns from this PDF here.

FAQs

Does tie-dye work on cotton? What is the best fabric to use for tie-dying?

Although cotton is the top fabric choice for tie-dye projects because of its absorbency, you can also try other natural fibers like rayon, linen, or silk. Examples of synthetic fabrics that are hard to dye would be polyester and acrylic.

How do I keep the dye from running into other clothes?

For the first few washes, always keep your tie-dyed T-shirt on its own to avoid bleeding. It also helps to put a color-catching sheet into the washing machine.

What if the colors I have selected are not as they come out?

No problem, experimenting is fun! You may need to layer different colors or add more dye if you want it darker. Sometimes, you can obtain beautiful and unique patterns created by unexpected results.

How long does tie-dye typically last?

Your tie-dye will last depending on how you care for it. Washing your shirt in cold water and avoiding bleach will help the colors last longer. The colors will fade a little over time, but that only adds to the cool vintage vibe of your tie-dyed shirt.