Tie dyeing

On Sunday I indulged in some post-birthday party tie-dyeing fun. It was a relaxing way to make the most of a hangover day, as it doesn't require too much attention. or maybe it should really - you don't want to ruin your favourite white t-shirt! It currently seems like those old tie-dye and hypercolour 90s t-shirts have made a comeback this summer, people are digging out those old t-shirts we wore in our youth (or in my case they were sent straight to charity as soon as that fad was done).

We threw a tie-dye party at my friend Camille's house. All you need is a group of great friends, a jug of Pimms, snacks, music, gloves, blanket, apron, dye... well the rest of the ingredients I'll write below!

What You Need

* Plain material
* Elastic bands or string
* Dyes appropriate to the fabric you are using
* Rubber gloves
* Plastic sheet & apron
* Brush



Step 1
Moisten the fabric with clean water. Wring it out so it is not too wet.

Step 2
Grab a piece of material where you want the centre of the spiral to be. Twist the fabric round and round, then put several rubber bands around the fabric. Make sure the bands are spaced along the fabric and very tight. You can make as many or few spirals as you wish. Where the material is tied the dye won't reach, so it will remain the original colour, or be a lighter colour.

Step 3
Wearing rubber gloves now apply the dye to the fabric. You can dilute the dyes if they are water based or apply neat for a stronger colour. Because the fabric is moist the dyes will blend into each other.


Step 4
You can remove the elastic bands and hang it out to dry or leave the fabric to dry with the bands on. If your fabric is dripping it may be best to leave to dry with the bands on so the dyes don't run together. Opening the fabric is the fun part to see what patterns have been made. Some dyes require to be 'fixed' by ironing so remember to read the instructions on the packet or your next whole washing load will come out in the same colours!

You can achieve dyed circles by using marbles. Place the marble in the fabric and gather the fabric underneath, then wrap an elastic band around it.

all photos above are mine - please email me for perimssion if you would like to use them

TIE-DYING IS FUN!