Tie Dye Patterns

One of the funnest aspects of tie dying shirts is seeing what cool tie dye patterns emerge.  Different techniques can be used to achieve different types of pattern s on your tie dye shirts.  Two of the main techniques I will be discussing (because they are the most commonly used) are spirals and blotches.  Here is how to produce them:

Spirals

Spirals are when the colors start at a small nucleus and begin to spiral out into larger circles.  There is an easy way to achieve this effect when starting your tie dye project:

First, you will need to select 3 or 4 colors that you wish to use on your shirt.  Then, lay your shirt down on the floor, or wherever your tie dye workstation is, and place a fork in the center of the shirt while you twist the fabric to form a swirl.  Twist and twist until your shirt is completely swirled.

Once you have completed the swirl, secure your fabric with a rubber band.  Bind the fabric tight with the rubber bands, so you do not lose your swirl.  Now it is time to apply the die:

Starting at the center, or tip of the spiral, apply one of your colors and work it from the center point out.  Repeat this with the other colors, and then repeat each color one more time for a bright fully colored shirt.  Next just follow the tie dye instructions from whichever kit you decide to buy, and you have made a spiral tie dyed shirt!

Blotches

Another one of the tie dye patterns is blotches.  These are a bit simpler then spiraling, so if this is your first tie dye experience, I suggest you start with blotches.

As with spiraling, you start by selecting 3 or 4 colors to use for your project.  However, unlike spiraling, instead of using a fork to spiral the shirt or fabric, you can simply bunch up the fabric by hand.

Then, add your main colors to shirt, but leave some room for other color variations.  In the room you left, creatively add the other colors to your fabric.  Again, follow the drying instructions that were provided in your tie dye kit, and you’re on your way to a great tie dye creation!

But first, check out some other cool tie dye patterns people have made: