The tie dye technique is a favorite fabric craft for children and adults of all ages. By using a variety of tying methods, you can create a variety of interesting patterns with the dye tying technique. When it comes to dyes, there are many different types of ready-to-use dyes that you can use, and you can usually find them at your local craft store or regular retailer. You can also make dyes from natural ingredients! The steps for doing the tie dye technique are almost the same, whether using commercial or homemade dyes. You'll need to tie the fabric to create interesting patterns with the dye, prepare the fabric to be dyed, and soak the fabric in the dye to create a great tie-dyed masterpiece.
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Method 1 of 11: Using the Basic Spiral Pattern
Step 1. Create a basic spiral pattern
The spiral pattern is a classic tie dye look. The basic spiral pattern gathers all the fabric into a roll. Using this method of binding, a circular design will be created from the center of the spiral.
Step 2. Spread the cloth on a flat surface
But before doing so, make sure the surface is clean! If you are working on a commonly used surface, such as a dining table, food residue or grease can stain the fabric and ruin the consistency of the pattern made with the dye.
- Food debris on the fabric can cause clearly visible spots on the dye or white spots. Take a damp cloth and wipe the surface before spreading the cloth over it.
- You will need to protect the surface you will be working on by laying out a dye-resistant or single-use mat. Some of the commonly used options are cardboard, plastic, and tarpaulin.
Step 3. Pinch the center of the fabric with your thumb and two fingers
You just need to gather a little bit of fabric between your fingers at this point. The cloth held with the fingers will form a center point on the cloth. Gathering too much fabric can result in a large lump in the center of the spiral.
Step 4. Roll up the fabric while holding it with your fingers
Roll as tightly and evenly as possible. To help create a regular spiral shape, you'll need to flatten the fabric on the surface with the roll in hand. As you continue to roll, the fabric will begin to spiral into a spiral.
You will need to use a tool to help roll the fabric to produce as tight a spiral as possible. A tight spiral will produce more circles in the pattern, making it more complicated. Some of the tools you can use to roll spirals are a blunt fork or an eraser on the end of a strong pencil
Step 5. Join the spiral with the other hand
Take the twisted end of the spiral and connect it to the main coil with your unused hand to roll the fabric. Pull the outer ends of the rolls tight so that the spirals roll as tightly as possible.
Step 6. Tie the spiral with a rubber band
While continuing to hold the spiral with one hand, use the other hand to insert some rubber bands into the fabric. The rubber should be in the center of the roll, extending from one end of the roll to the opposite side.
Start with four rubber bands and add more if necessary. Larger fabrics, tight rolls of fabric, or thicker fabrics require more rubber bands to hold the spiral
Method 2 of 11: Using Knots
Step 1. Recognize the effect of the tie-dye technique with a knot
The advantage of knotting with the dye-binding technique is that you can make as many knots as you want. This is useful for long sheets of fabric. Coloring the knotted fabric produces a design of fine white lines, like irregular cracks in glass, spreading out the color in random directions.
Step 2. Twist the fabric into a long loop
Hold each end of the fabric so that the length of the fabric extends between your hands. Then, twist the fabric in the opposite direction of the wringing motion. Continue twisting until the fabric can no longer be twisted.
Step 3. Make a knot in the loop of the fabric
You need a large knot in the center of the loop of fabric to create the center point of the design. You can also make multiple knots to create a series of dots like explosions on the fabric.
Be careful when twisting and knotting the fabric. Knots should be tight, but knots that are too tight can cause the fabric to tear or break
Step 4. Tie the knot with a rubber band
After making each knot, pull it tight. Hold the tightened knot with one hand so it doesn't come loose. Then, with the other hand, secure each knot by tying it with a rubber band.
Method 3 of 11: Creating Irregular Patterns with the Electric Bunching Technique
Step 1. Understand the effect
The electric bunching technique is easy to form but difficult to predict. After the fabric is dyed, the result is a color “shock” that spreads irregularly on the clothes.
Step 2. Gather the fabric
This should be done in small and irregular portions. Use one hand to hold the bundle of fabric so it doesn't fall apart and pull the entire piece of fabric into a ball. Do this so that as much of the "face" of the garment or the outer side of the fabric is visible as possible.
Step 3. Fasten the fabric ball
With one hand, hold the ball of cloth. With your other hand, tie the ball of fabric with some rubber bands to hold it together. You can also use mattress twine or string to secure the ball of fabric, but with these two ties, don't tie the ball too tightly.
- Tying the ball too tightly can make it difficult for the dye to penetrate the core of the clump of fabric. This can create gaps in the colored design. Use a small amount of binder to tie as loosely as possible while maintaining the shape of the ball.
- If you want to use mattress twine or string, it may be easiest to ask a friend to hold the lump of fabric while you tie it, or vice versa. If no friend can help, spread the string on a surface, place a ball of cloth on it, in the middle of the rope holding the ball in one hand, cross the ends of the rope over the ball, and use your other hand to make a simple knot.
Method 4 of 11: Creating the Rose Pattern
Step 1. Identify the rose pattern to be made
The rose pattern produces a series of small overlapping circles that can be linked together in various patterns. This pattern will be created by gathering several dots on the fabric and tying it together.
Step 2. Make a rose pattern
The rose arch should be under the top of the fabric, above the crease of the bottom seam of the fabric, the top and bottom of the sides, or some other variation. Once you've decided where the roses are, use chalk to draw dots along the fabric where each rose is.
You can create more detailed rose shapes. For example, you could make a circle of roses in the center of a t-shirt or collect them into a star shape. Your imagination is the limit
Step 3. Collect all the dots
Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch each dot and pull together the dots next to it. Use one hand to hold all the dots and the other hand to continue making dots. Continue doing this until all the dots are collected.
Step 4. Tie all the rose patterns
Wrap a string or rubber band about 5 cm below the top point, where you first made the dot. The rose pattern should be tied tightly. This requires more than one binder.
Step 5. Gather and tie the remaining fabric
Hold the fabric under the location of the knotted rose pattern and with the other hand, pull the dangling end and hold it firmly. Pull the fabric tight, then use a rubber band or string to tie it at the same distance.
Method 5 of 11: Tying the Line Pattern
Step 1. Understand the effect
This technique produces a vertical series of streaks of white or light color (from top to bottom) through the dye color by rolling the fabric and binding it with a binder. Horizontal stripes can also be created by rolling the fabric left to right instead of top to bottom.
Step 2. Roll the fabric into a long tube
To create vertical (top to bottom) stripes, you'll need to roll the fabric from the bottom up into a loose tube shape. For horizontal stripes (left to right), you'll need to roll the fabric into a loose tube shape from left to right.
Step 3. Tie the fabric tubes the same distance
Use an elastic band or string to tie the fabric tubes evenly spaced. If the distance between the fasteners is not the same, the distance between the stripes will also not be the same.
- Lines will form along the location of the rubber band.
- To ensure an even pattern of lines, you will need to measure the distance between the fasteners using a ruler and adjust it if necessary. You can also measure and mark the distance in advance.
Method 6 of 11: Soaking Cloth in Preservative Solution
Step 1. Understand how preservatives can help
Over time, the dye will fade and lose its luster, but preservatives will help the dye last longer. The type of preservative you use will vary depending on the dye you use, but soaking the fabric in a preservative solution before dyeing will make your dyed garment lighter in color over a longer period of time.
Step 2. Prepare a soda ash bath for most of the chemical dyes
Chemical dyes, even commercial dyes you can buy at a craft store, are usually most effective if the fabric is pre-soaked in a solution of soda ash and warm water. Take a large plastic bucket and:
- Mix 250 ml of soda ash with 4 liters of warm water. Stir until well blended.
- Wear a dust mask and rubber or plastic gloves when working with this solution. Soda ash can irritate the lungs and skin.
Step 3. Create a salt preservative for natural berry-based dyes
If you want to use natural dyes made from berries, the preservatives usually recommended are those made from salt and cold water. You can make this solution by mixing it in a large bucket:
125 grams of table salt with 2 liters of cold water. Stir until dissolved
Step 4. Prepare a vinegar preservative for natural plant-based dyes
If you want to use a natural dye made from plants other than berries, a solution made of water and vinegar may be better than one made of salt. To make a vinegar pickling solution, mix in a large bucket:
250 ml of white vinegar with 1 liter of cold water. Stir well so that the solution is evenly distributed
Step 5. Soak the tied cloth in a suitable solution
Soak the knotted fabric bundle in the preservative solution long enough to completely submerge it. If using soda ash, soak the cloth for 5-15 minutes. If using salt or vinegar, heat the liquid to a gentle simmer and let the cloth sit in the boiling liquid for 1 hour.
Step 6. Squeeze out the excess water
You will need to wait for the fabric to cool before handling it if it has been soaked in a boiling solution. Once the fabric has finished soaking/cooling, remove it from the preservative solution and wring it out until it feels damp.
- If using vinegar or salt, rinse the cloth before squeezing out any excess water.
- Food tongs can be used to lift the cloth from the boiling solution so that you can rinse the cloth immediately with cold water. This will save time waiting for the fabric to cool. Then, wring the cloth until it is damp.
Method 7 of 11: Using Commercial Dye
Step 1. Follow the directions on the package to mix the chemical dye
Various commercial dyes are made from various substances. This means that you need to follow the directions on the package label carefully to produce the best color possible.
Step 2. Handle the dye using plastic or rubber gloves
This will prevent the dye from staining your hands and limit the chance that the dye will spread. Occasionally, wet dye may remain in cracks or creases in the leather and transfer to clothing, furniture, or other objects. Plastic or rubber gloves will prevent this.
Step 3. Use a large plastic bucket for the dye bath
The water should be hot, usually with the recommended temperature of 60 degrees Celsius. For some dyes, hotter water produces a stronger color. For other dyes, very hot water can make the color fade. Check the type of dye you have before proceeding.
Step 4. Stir the dye until completely evenly distributed
Typically, you will need 1 packet of powdered dye or 125 ml of liquid dye for every 8-12 waters. The more dye you use, the stronger the color will be.
You can use a kitchen spoon or a regular vegetable spoon to stir the dye. You need to avoid using wooden spoons; dye can stain spoons like this
Method 8 of 11: Making Natural Dye
Step 1. Boil, bring to a boil, and strain the plant material when making natural dyes
There are many plants in nature that can be used to make homemade natural dyes. You need to follow the same procedure when separating the dye from the plant material. To do so, you must:
- Finely chop the plant or coloring matter using a kitchen knife.
- Place two parts water and one part coloring matter in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer slowly for 1 hour.
- Strain the plant material and pour the new colored liquid into a large bowl to create a dye bath.
Step 2. Berries also carry a strong pigment that gives color
This pigment can be separated from the berry to create a natural, potent dye. To make dye from berries, you'll need:
- Boil the berries for 15 minutes or until the color of the berries mixes with the water.
- Separate the berry pieces using a sieve and pour the colored liquid into a large bowl. Discard the berry pieces until all that's left is a colored solution to use as a fabric dye.
Step 3. Choose the right natural substance to make the dye
Using different plant materials, you can extract different dyes. The following list is by no means exhaustive, but some of the popular colors and plants from which they are made are:
- Orange: Onion peel and carrot root
- Chocolate: Coffee, tea, walnuts, and kapok root
- Pink: Raspberries, cherries and red strawberries
- Blue/purple: Red cabbage, mulberry, elderberry, blueberry, purple grape, cornflower leaf, and purple iris
- Red: Beets, roses and St John's Wort soaked in alcohol
- Black: Iris root
- Greens: Arthicoke, spinach, sorrel root, lilac root, snapdragon flower, black-eyed Susan, and grass
- Yellow: Celery leaves, turmeric, willow leaves, marigolds, bell peppers, peach leaves, yarrow, and alfalfa seeds.
Method 9 of 11: Dyeing Fabric in a Dye Bath
Step 1. Soak the cloth for the right time
Each dye is different, so the exact amount of time it takes to soak the fabric in the dye is different as well. For commercial products, you should always follow the instructions listed. Usually, you will need:
- Chemical dyes usually require 4-10 minutes to soak the fabric. Soaking the fabric for too long can make the color too dark.
- Natural dyes will produce maximum color and are very bright when simmered slowly. Soak the cloth in hot water for an hour. For a stronger, lighter color, soak the cloth overnight.
Step 2. Color it from the lightest color to the darkest color
If you want to dye the fabric with multiple colors, soak the fabric with the lightest color first. You can do this by dipping the section of fabric you want to dye in a shallow bowl so that only the section of fabric collected absorbs the specific color. Then, soak the fabric in the darkening colors until all the colors are used.
Step 3. Rinse with cold water after each color
Use cold running water after you're done coloring. This will remove any excess dye and bind the color to the fabric. Excess dye can splatter or smudge other unwanted pieces of clothing! Rinse thoroughly to prevent this.
Method 10 of 11: Dyeing Fabric with a Spray Bottle
Step 1. Understand the difference in the effect
Perhaps the easiest way to do the tie dye technique is to soak the fabric in a single colored solution called a dye bath. If you want a multi-colored design to produce a rainbow circle effect or other types of colored patterns, a spray bottle is a great choice.
Step 2. Prepare the dye in the bottle
You should always follow the directions that came with the dye or the dye bottle for best results. However, usually for each pack of powdered dye or 150ml of liquid dye, you'll need to add 250ml of warm to hot water to the spray bottle.
You can improve the coloring process by adding salt to the dye solution. You'll need to use the amount of salt recommended on the coloring pack, but you'll usually need a tablespoon of salt per bottle. Stir or shake the solution until smooth
Step 3. Spread the cloth on a protected surface
If the dye soaks into the fabric, it can cause stains to form on the dyed surface. There are various ways to protect the work area. You will need to use multiple layers of plastic wrap, tarpaulin, thick cardboard, or some other type of material. After protecting the area to be painted, spread the cloth over the protected surface.
Step 4. Color the fabric
Take a spray bottle and in whatever pattern you want, color the fabric with the dye. You need to use primary colors like red, yellow, and blue side by side for sharper contrast.
Preparing the wipes during this process is a good step. If you use too much dye, it can pool in the fabric and spread, causing a wet design! You can prevent this by absorbing the excess dye with a tissue
Step 5. Read the instructions carefully before ending work
Some dyes require you to place the cloth in a plastic bag and then heat it in the microwave. If you do this, you should place a paper towel in the bottom of the microwave in case the plastic bag leaks.
- When removing the cloth from the microwave, be careful not to burn it. A pair of gloves or food tongs can protect you from getting burned.
- Watch the cloth carefully when it is in the microwave. If you see a bulging plastic bag, this is normal. However, too long a plastic bag in the microwave can melt and damage the fabric.
Method 11 of 11: Completing the Dip Tie Process
Step 1. Rinse the cloth again with cold water
When you have finished dyeing the fabric and rinsing each section, rinse the entire fabric under cold running water. To ensure this is fully done, you must:
- Continue rinsing the cloth until the water becomes clear. Do it thoroughly; The dye must not stain other clothes.
- This process can take a few minutes.
Step 2. Remove the fastener
Use scissors to carefully cut the string or rubber band from the fabric. You must cut carefully so that the freshly dyed fabric is not damaged. After that, the fabric can be opened to reveal the pattern.
Alternatively, you can save the strap for later use by opening the string or rubber band
Step 3. Wash the cloth with warm water
Use warm water and a mild, dye-free laundry soap to wash the fabric. You can do it in the washing machine or wash it by hand in a tub or bucket. When finished washing, rinse the cloth with warm water.
If you want to use a washing machine, you will need to wash the fabric in a separate wash cycle. This way, the dye left behind won't transfer to other clothes
Step 4. Gently squeeze out the excess water after rinsing
Squeeze any excess water from the fabric, but be careful not to squeeze it too hard, as this can stretch the fabric and deform it. To prevent the fabric from deforming due to over-squeezing, you can:
Spread the dyed cloth evenly over an old towel that is larger than the cloth. Roll the cloth in the towel and wring the towel with the cloth inside
Step 5. Dry as desired
You can dry the fabric in the washing machine or hang it in the sun to hang. The best way to dry it depends on the type of fabric you're dyeing. Follow the directions on the fabric label for best results or, if there is no label, hang it to dry.
Step 6. Enjoy clothes that have been dyed
You may want to try three types of dyes: plant, berry, and chemical, to get the one you like best. In addition, there are various differences depending on the plant /berry /chemical chosen to dye the fabric. You may find that you prefer natural dyes over chemical dyes, but some other types of fabrics may work best with chemical dyes.
Warning
- Wear gloves and an apron to protect your skin and clothing from staining the dye.
- Wear a dust mask to protect your mouth, nose and lungs when working with soda ash.
