Every summer the kids and I get together with our friends and have a tie-dye playdate. While the creations are always unique, the concept is always the same. Here's how we do it.
What you will need:
- prewashed, and dried, clothing items to dye
- gumbands
- clothespins (optional)
- misting spray bottle
- buckets for dye (one for each color plus at least one extra)
- packets of fabric dye
- very warm or hot water
- garden hose
What to do:
- Take the prewashed clothing items and dampen them with water from the misting bottle.
- Using gumbands and clothespins, tie the clothing in knots or spirals. I have done youtube video searches for different varitions on how to tie the clothig.
- In the meantime, fill each bucket with a different color dye according to package directions.
- Fill another bucket with cold water. This is the dye bath which will be used to remove excess dye from the items. When the dye bath gets too dirty with colors, empty it and refill.
- Start dying your clothes according to tie dye instructions. Make sure to leave the items in the dye long enough for them to thoroughly soak up the dye.
- Once items are dyed, leave them set overnight. I sometimes let mine soak in vinegar which helps "set" the colors.
- Once items have set for 24 hours, untie the gumbands.
- Wash the items in the washing machine. Instead of detergent, I use a cup of salt and cold water. This again helps to set the colors.
- Wash the clothes again with detergent and cold water.
- Line dry or dry with a clothes dryer.
- Wear your creations with pride!
We have experimented with different designs and colors. The photo above is of the mathcing patriotic (red, white and blue) tie dye shirts we made for the kids this year. Have fun with it.
