Do you need to tie a t-shirt? Or, your child wants to do it for his birthday, but you only have a few hours? Tie dye usually takes a lot of time, as you will have to prepare the dye and dry it for several hours. Luckily, there are quick and easy ways to dye a t-shirt with the tie-dye method. This article will help you.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Acrylic Paint
Step 1. Consider tying the t-shirt with acrylic paint
You can do this by using aqueous acrylic paint. This way, the shirt will have to dry, but if you use a heater, it will be ready to wear right away. This method is similar to the traditional tie-dye method, but does not require as much hot water or preparation as the traditional steps.
Step 2. Find a white t-shirt to color
Although this method uses acrylic paint, which is more opaque than fabric paint, you'll still get the best results if you use a white or light-colored T-shirt. The paint will be watered off, so some of the original color of the shirt will fade.
You can tie anything from a t-shirt to pants and skirts, or even a baseball cap
Step 3. Prepare the paint
You will need a mixture in the ratio of parts textile media, 1 part paint and 3 parts water. Pour everything into a plastic applicator bottle and shake to mix well. This fabric textile medium will prevent the paint from becoming too stiff after it dries.
- Use a different applicator bottle for each color.
- These colors will mix together, so avoid contrasting colors like red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple, or the clothes you're dyed will have some mud browns!
Step 4. Wet the t-shirt with a little water
You can also dip it in water and then squeeze it to remove any excess water. The shirt should be damp, not soaking wet.
Step 5. Tie an elastic band around the shirt
You can make different patterns depending on the ties of this rubber band. Here are some examples of popular designs:
- Striped patterns are the easiest and simplest design. You just fold the shirt like a fan or accordion. You can do this based on the width, length, or even the diagonal of the shirt. Use an elastic band at each end of one of the "cord" folds, then attach another rubber band about 5/8-7.62 cm down. Continue until you reach the end of the knot.
- Sunlight is a circular design, with each ray of a different color. Pinch the center of the shirt and pull it toward you. Tie the ends with a rubber band. Move down a bit and tie the section below with another piece of rubber. Continue until you have a thick "rope" made of fabric and rubber bands.
- Another popular design is the spiral shape. Place the shirt on a flat surface. Pinch the center and twist. Keep twisting until you get a spiral shape or something that looks like an omelette. Put a rubber band around the "bun" you've made. Then, attach another rubber band, but this time in a different direction so you get the shape of the intersection. You can put an extra rubber band around the bun and divide it into pizza or cake.
Step 6. Paint the t-shirt in the spaces between each elastic band
Use a container as a base, such as a plastic holder or an aluminum tray. Press the tip of the applicator against the cloth and squeeze gently. This way, the paint will be absorbed directly by the fabric instead of splattering all over the place.
Step 7. Let the t-shirts dry on a wire rack until the colors dry
Place this rack on top of paper towels, newsprint, or cooking mat. Then, without removing the rubber band, hang the shirt on the rack. This way, any excess paint will drip off and not collect on the shirt. Leave the shirt for an hour for the colors to soak into the fabric.
Step 8. Remove the rubber band and allow the shirt to dry
By now, the shirt should be mostly dry, but the center may still be wet. Dry in a hot place until the shirt is completely dry. It is also important to prevent wrinkles. Be aware that the colder and damper the weather, the longer it will take for the shirt to dry.
Step 9. Heat the colors
To make the colors more permanent, place the t-shirt in the dryer for about 15 minutes. After that, the shirt is ready to be worn and washed.
Method 2 of 4: Using Bleach
Step 1. Consider a reverse dyed tie
With bleach, you can remove color from an already colored shirt. This technique is known as reverse tie dye and takes less time than the traditional dye tie method, as you don't have to prepare the dye and allow it to dry. Make sure an adult is involved in this situation.
Step 2. Wet the t-shirt with a little water
You can also dip it in water and then squeeze it to remove any excess water. The shirt should be damp, not soaking wet.
Step 3. Find a colored shirt
Unlike the traditional tie dye method, this time you'll be removing the color instead of adding it. For that, you'll need a colored t-shirt. The bleached areas will appear lighter, unless the shirt you choose is black, then those areas will usually be copper.
The lighter the color of a shirt, the more effective the bleach will be
Step 4. Tie an elastic band around the shirt
You can make different patterns depending on how you tie the rubber band around the shirt. Here are some popular design ideas:
- To make simple stripes, fold the shirt like a fan or accordion. You will make some kind of rope shape. You can do this based on the width, length, or even the diagonal of the shirt. Use an elastic band at each end of one of the "cord" folds, then attach another rubber band about 5/8-7.62 cm down. Continue until you reach the end of the knot.
- To create a sun, pinch the center of the shirt and pull it toward you. Tie the ends with a rubber band. Move down a bit and tie the section below with another piece of rubber. Continue until you have a thick "rope" made of fabric and rubber bands.
- To make a spiral shape, lay the shirt on a flat surface. Pinch the center and twist. Keep twisting until you get a spiral shape or something that looks like an omelette. Put a rubber band around the "bun" you've made. Then, attach another rubber band, but this time in a different direction so you get the shape of the intersection. You can put an extra elastic band around the bun and divide it into pizza or cake.
Step 5. Protect yourself and your clothes
Since you will be using bleach, protect both yourself and the clothes you are wearing. Wear gloves to protect the skin, and an apron or artist pad to protect clothing. Or, you can also wear old clothes that you can tolerate if they are damaged or stained.
Step 6. Prepare the bleach mixture
You need one part bleach to one part water. Pour both into a spray bottle.
Step 7. Use bleach on the shirt
Start spraying bleach on the shirt by using a thick aluminum tray bottom or over the sink. Cover the entire shirt and wet it as much as possible.
Step 8. Let the bleach dry
Place the t-shirt in an undisturbed place and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
You can also use undiluted bleach and spray it on the shirt every five minutes. The shirt will finish bleaching in 10 to 15 minutes
Step 9. Remove the rubber band and rinse
Once the shirt is bleached to your liking, remove the rubber band and rinse the shirt under cold running water. You may notice the colors are fading. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. If you can't remove the rubber band because it's too tight, cut it off. Be careful not to cut your shirt!
Step 10. Dry the shirt
You can now dry them or put them in the dryer.
Method 3 of 4: Using a Sharpie Marker
Step 1. Consider tying the dip using a Sharpie marker
While this makes it difficult for large designs that will cover the entire t-shirt, you can use it to create smaller designs, such as flowers and spiral shapes. This section will teach you how to make a small dip tie design with a Sharpie marker and rubbing alcohol. What you need is:
- Permanent Sharpie markers in multiple colors (or just one color if this is what you prefer)
- rubbing alcohol
- Applicator bottle or eye dropper
- Rubber bracelet
- Plastic cups
Step 2. Start with a clean white T-shirt
Because Sharpies are translucent, your shirt color will stay visible. This means that when you rub a yellow Sharpie over a light blue shirt, you get a green color. However, a white T-shirt will produce the most vivid colors. Make sure the shirt (or whatever else you're using) is clean, as dust or oil can prevent Sharpie ink from sticking.
Step 3. Insert a plastic cup inside the shirt and secure it with a rubber band
Decide where you want your first design to be, then tuck the plastic inside the t-shirt. Pull the fabric ties across the rim of the cup. Tie it with an elastic band by stretching it around the cloth and cup. You'll be making cloth drums and mini cups here.
You can also use embroidery hoops instead of plastic cups and rubber bands. Just tuck the inside of the loop into the t-shirt and secure it by placing the outer loop over the embroidery and t-shirt you're using
Step 4. Start making small rings and circles with dots
Press the tip of the Sharpie marker into the fabric and make a small dot. Make the next point no more than a centimeter from the first. Continue until you have a full circle or ring-you are actually making a dotted line. You can make the dots any size you want, but they shouldn't touch each other. Make sure you work inside the cup. Here are some design options that you can use:
- Create a fireworks pattern by drawing two circles, one inside the other. Use a different color for each circle.
- Make a flower by making one big dot, then small dots around it. These smaller dots will form part of the petals.
Step 5. Drop some alcohol on the design
Once you are satisfied, start adding alcohol. You can use alcohol with an eye dropper and add it to the top of the design. This way, you have more control over the coloring. This method is also very effective for smaller designs. Or, fill the applicator bottle with alcohol and drip the alcohol over your design. This method provides less effective control, but is much faster and you don't have to refill the bottle as often. When you add alcohol, Sharpie's ink will start to dissolve and spread, creating a dye-binding effect.
Step 6. Dry the shirt
Because it uses rubbing alcohol, the drying process will not take much time. Once the shirt is dry, remove it from the cup.
Step 7. Strengthen the design by using heat energy
You can do this by placing the t-shirt in the dryer (on the high setting) for 15 minutes, or ironing it for 5 minutes. If you use the ironing method, make sure that you are assisted by your parents and that it is set to the highest temperature.
Method 4 of 4: Using Traditional Methods
Step 1. Consider using the traditional method
Although this method requires some extra effort, it's fun and easy to do. If you use salt or vinegar, you don't have to dry the shirt for a long time.
Step 2. Find something white to tie
Because clothing dyes are translucent, you'll get the brightest and strongest colors if you wear white clothes. You can use other light colors, such as pastels, yellows, tans, and light grays, but keep in mind that the original color of the shirt will mix with the dye. This means that if you mix blue in a yellow shirt, the result will be green.
- The types of clothing that are most effective for tie dyeing are those made of cotton, linen, rayon, and wool.
- Avoid acrylic, metallic, polyester, and spandex fabrics, as these will not absorb color in the dye-bind method.
- You can tie up almost anything from t-shirts to pants and skirts, or even baseball caps.
Step 3. Wear protective clothing
The clothes dye may not only stain the white shirt you choose, but also stain the clothes you're wearing. These dyes can also irritate the skin or stain it for several days. To protect both clothing and skin, you need to take some precautions. Here are our tips:
- Wear old clothes that you can accept if they get dirty or stained. Dark-colored clothes are also able to hide stains better than light-colored clothes.
- If you don't have any ratty old clothes, wear shorts, a sleeveless top, and an apron.
- Consider wearing plastic gloves, like the ones you wear to wash dishes or color your hair. You can also buy special plastics for tie-dying in the dyes and t-shirts section of a craft store.
Step 4. Cover your work area or work outdoors
Ties can make a mess, and while you can clean up the stains with rubbing alcohol, it's best to work outdoors. If you must work inside, spread several layers of newspaper over the work area to protect it.
Step 5. Decide how many and what colors you will use
Most tie-dyed shirts will look best with two to three colors, and use either primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) or secondary colors (orange, green, and purple). determine how many buckets are needed. Each color requires its own bucket.
Step 6. Prepare the dye bath
Do this by mixing a bucket of hot water, pouring in the dye, then stirring. The water temperature should be at least 60°C. Most dyes must be dissolved in hot water, and this water content will usually depend on the brand of dye you are using. As a general rule, cup (112.5 ml) of liquid dye requires about 7.57-11.35 l of hot water. Most of the powdered dye should first be dissolved in 1 cup (225 ml) of hot water, then added to a 7.57-11.35 l dye bath.
Step 7. Consider adding salt or vinegar to the dye bath to help the color stick to the clothes
While this may sound awkward, adding one of these will actually not only make the color of the shirt look brighter and stronger, it will also help it "dunk in" and make it last longer. After adding the salt or vinegar, stir the marinade again to make sure everything is combined. Here's how to use salt and vinegar in a dye bath:
- If the clothes are cotton, linen, rayon, or flax, add 1 cup (280 grams) of salt for every 11.35 liters of water.
- If the garment is nylon, silk, or wool, add 1 cup (225 ml) of white vinegar for every 11.35 liters of water.
Step 8. Tie an elastic band around the shirt
You can create a variety of designs by tying an elastic band around the t-shirt in a number of different ways. Here are some of the ideas:
- To get striped patterns, all you have to do is fold the shirt like a fan or accordion. You can do this based on the width, length, or even the diagonal side of the shirt. Use an elastic band at each end of one of the folded "strings," then attach the other rubber bands about 5 inches (5.08-7.62 cm) down. Continue until you reach the end of the knot.
- Sunlight is a circular design, with each ray of a different color. Pinch the center of the shirt and pull it toward you. Tie the ends with a rubber band. Move down a bit and tie the section below with another piece of rubber. Continue until you have a thick "rope" made of fabric and rubber bands.
- To make a spiral shape, lay the shirt on a flat surface. Pinch the center and twist. Keep twisting until you get a spiral shape or something that looks like an omelette. Put a rubber band around the "bun" you've made. Then, attach another rubber band, but this time in a different direction so you get the shape of the intersection. You can put an extra elastic band around the bun and divide it into pizza or cake.
Step 9. Start coloring the shirt
Take a t-shirt and dip some of it into the dye bath. If you are using multiple colors, dip the lightest color first. Let it sit for 4 to 10 minutes before removing it. For a more intense color, let the shirt soak for 30 minutes.
- If you are using multiple colors, rinse the newly stained area under cold running water to remove any excess dye. Squeeze the water out of the shirt and put it in the next color.
- The longer the shirt soaks, the darker the color will be.
- If the water is too hot, try wearing dishwashing gloves to protect yourself. You can also use chopsticks or tongs to move the t-shirt.
Step 10. Rinse the shirt
Once the shirt is colored the way you want, cut the rubber band with scissors and rinse the shirt in cold water to remove any excess dye. Continue rinsing until the water starts to clear. Squeeze out any remaining water on the shirt.
Step 11. Wash the t-shirt and hang to dry
Wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse again with cold water and hang to dry. You can also put it in the dryer.
Tips
- Avoid complementary colors that are next to each other (such as red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow) or the final design on your t-shirt will be stained with brown.
- Wear gloves (unless you don't mind getting your hands colored).
- Wear old clothes that you can tolerate breaking, an apron, or an artist's pad. The materials you use will dye your clothes white, so they can also stain the clothes you're wearing.
Warning
- Be careful when using hot water or you may get burns.
- When using sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol, and bleach, provide good ventilation or you'll get dizzy.
- If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves when applying dye or bleach, as the chemicals can cause an allergic reaction.
