In 2019, “tie-dye” ranked in the top 10 most searched prints in women’s wear and was even included in 16 fashion collections this year.
It’s clear that the iconic tie-dye shirt is here to stay, especially because you can do it at home.
Perhaps you want to create your tie-dye shirt, but you’re not sure where to start and which supplies you need.
Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here is how to tie-dye a shirt.
Set up a Work Area
Whether you’re using a tie dye kit or not, make sure you find a suitable work area.
Throw a plastic cover over the table and stay away from any furniture or carpet.
It’s also wise to keep your supplies within arm’s reach so it doesn’t disrupt the process.
Gather Your Materials
Before we answer the question “how do you tie-dye?”, we must gather our materials. You will need your desired dye colors in squeezable bottles and rubber bands.
And don’t forget sandwich bags, soda ash, and a tub for soaking your shirts.
Note, grab a short dowel rod so you can make the best tie-dye patterns.
Soak Your Shirt
To make your sixties fashion dreams come true, pour soda ash solution in a tub of water.
Once it’s fully dissolved, soak your shirt for around 30 minutes.
But make sure you use cool water, otherwise, the dyes won’t properly seep into the material.
Prepare the Dyes
Not sure how to tie-dye? The next step is getting your dyes and following the instructions on the label.
Depending on the brand, you should mix the recommended amount in a bowl of lukewarm water.
If you want vibrant colors, then use most of the dye and less water.
But for those who love pastel-colored tie-dye patterns, double the amount of water.
Create a Rainbow Pattern
In the next part of your tie-dying adventure, wrap your shirt around the dowel rod until it makes a pie shape.
Next, secure it into place with several rubber bands.
Now, grab one dye bottle, starting at the shirt’s center, and make a circular motion. Once you’ve covered a third of the t-shirt, choose a second color and then a third.
Keep going until there are no white spaces.
Then do the same for the other side. Once you’re done, slip your shirt into a sandwich bag and leave for 24 hours.
Only then can you remove your masterpiece and run it under cold water without taking the bands off.
Don’t worry if the water is black, just rinse until it’s clear, remove the rubber bands, and you’re done.
Tie Dye Your Shirt Today
Hopefully, you now know how to tie-dye your shirt.
Start by finding the perfect work area and gather your supplies so you have enough dye for your project.
Then, follow the instructions for the rainbow pattern and you’ve got an awesome shirt.
Good luck! Did you find this article helpful? If yes, then check out the rest of our blog for similar content.