Tie Dye Patterns

There are certain techniques that will dramatically alter the way your tie dye project will turn out.  In particular, it is important to consider the fabric, dye, supplies, pattern and drying techniques.

Fabrics

First, choose your fabric very wisely.  Generally, you should be picking a fabric that is made from 100% natural fibers.  Yes this means it doesn’t necessarily have to be cotton.  Anything that is pure natural fiber is tie dye ready.  However, there are some other guidelines to follow when selecting what to follow.  In particular, make sure that you choose light-colored fabrics, or you may have to bleach the fabric before dying.

Dyes

There are numerous kinds of dyes you can buy.  Here are some guidelines:  Always pick dyes labled for cold water dyes.  This will produce better, more vibrant colors.  Pick colors that will balance well.  For beginners, it is best to stick to no more than 3 or 4 colors.

Supplies

Aside from the dye, there are other supplies and factors to consider.  In particular, make sure to have the following items ready:

• Buckets
• Water
• Soda Ash
• Rubber Bands
• Squeeze Bottles
• Gloves

Newspaper (To cover up the floor in case of spills)

By being properly prepared you will create great tie dyes with minimal mess.  Make sure to tie dye in an outdoor setting or garage, to ensure cleanliness.

Patterns

There are numerous tie dye patterns to choose from, so selecting the right pattern for your project really helps ensure great results.  By knotting and twisting your shirt or fabric in different ways, you will get different results, and produce different patterns.

Down the road, you can also use advanced tie dye techniques to produce wax areas on the shirt in which the tie dye won’t stick, to form symbols on your shirt.

Drying

Always let your tie dye set between 5 and 24 hours.  Longer set times will allow more time for the color to absorb and thus provide you with more vibrant tie dyes.

After you allow your fabric to dry, thoroughly hand wash it with cold water.  Leave the rubber bands in as you wash with cold water.  Make sure you can run water through them without it becoming colored or muddy.  Once you can, begin to run warm water through your tie dye as you remove the rubber bands.

Now you are ready to wash.  Run your fabric through the washer, separate from other clothes of course, and you have a tie dye!