By Alyson Trager
July 12, 2017

Tie-dying is a summer classic activity, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of actually doing it. Between the different styles of rubber-banding and the messy dye, you might find it difficult to say yes when your nieces and nephews ask to turn your backyard into a t-shirt factory. Have no fear! The Savvy Auntie Guide to Tie-Dying will help you navigate the your way through it. And soon, thanks to you, your nieces and nephews will be sporting the coolest tie-dye fashion.

Supplies

White Garment - You can tie-dye just about anything, so you can buy a pack of t-shirts, socks, shorts, or something bigger like a towel, sheet or blanket. Natural fibers are great for tie-dye, so it’s preferable to purchase something cotton, rayon, hemp or linen. With rayon, be careful handling it when dying because the fabric is weak when wet.

Pro-AunTip: Pre-washing your items can best help the dye absorb into the fabric.
 
Tarp - You’ll need something to lay the clothes on while you’re tie-dying them. Construction tarp, or any plastic table cloth will do. Or, cut multiple garbage bags open and then lay them out flat. These will be getting extremely messy, so make sure you’re using something you don’t mind ruining.

Gloves - Disposable gloves are preferable since your nice kitchen gloves will be subject to lots of dye during the process. You can get children’s gloves online at Amazon.com or at a mass retailer like Wal-Mart.

Large Bucket/Bowl - You’ll need this for soaking the items before you apply the dye. You can pick one up at a hardware store or use an old beach pale. This will most likely stay clean throughout the process. Depending on how many articles you’re dying, you may want a bigger bucket.

Fabric Dye - You can get a tie-dye kit at a craft store or order one online. Most will include dyes, squeeze bottles and rubber bands. If you want to go completely DIY, you can get fabric dye and mix it with water.

Plastic Squeeze Bottles - While tie-dye kits include squeeze bottles, if you’re using fabric dyes, you’ll need plastic squeeze bottle, preferably clear so you can see the dye, with a pointed spout to squirt the dye.

Pro-AunTip: Clear and cleaned out condiment squeeze bottles are great for this. Make sure you know how much liquid the bottle can hold. This will be important when mixing the dyes.

Rubber Bands - The more the merrier when it comes to these. Make sure you get thick ones that won’t break when you tie them around the fabric.

Plastic Bags - When you’re done tie-dying, you’re going to put the items in bags to sit overnight. Ziploc® style bags are best because they close completely and there is a lesser chance of dye spilling out.

Optional Supplies - Salt, dust mask, clothespins and line, apron or smock to wear over clothes.

Pro-Aunt tip: If you don’t have an apron or smock for the kids, have them turn their shirts inside out so if there is a stain, it is less likely to show on the outside.

Instructions

1. Set up a work space: You’ll want to set up your tarp in an open area, preferably on grass or somewhere you don’t mind getting a little messy. Cover everything because the dye will stain. You should also fill your bucket with water with cold to lukewarm water. You can add salt to help the dye absorb deeper into the fabric, but it’s not necessary when using a natural material. Soak the garment.

2. Make the dye: If you bought a kit, there may be pre-mixed bottles of dye. If not, mix your dye in the squeeze bottle according to the instructions.

3. Tie-Dye: Take the item out the water bucket. Lay it on your tarp and use the rubber bands to fold and twist your item into different patterns. (There are video tutorials on different patterns below.) You can then squirt whatever color dye you want.

4. Bagging: After you are satisfied with the amount of dye, put the garment in a plastic bag and let it sit for a minimum of five hours.  For maximum color absorption and brightness, let the fabric sit for 24 hours.

5. Rinse: Rinse out your item and remove the rubber bands. Use an area that is easy to clean and can get a little messy (e.g. your kitchen sink). Rinse with cooler water first and then move to hot water. Do this until the water is clear. You can let your creation dry on a clothespin line or just lay it out on your tarp. It’s best to hand wash, or wash this item separately, the next time its worn so that the dye doesn’t get onto other clothing items

Tie-Dye Inspiration!

Rainbow Spiral




Circle Pattern



Galaxy Pattern




Crumpled




Stripes



Cool Socks



Towels


Share your tie-dye creations on Instagram and tag #SavvyAuntie so we can see them!

Photo: Blend Images