- Tie-dyeing can be a simple and fun process with the right materials and knowledge.tie dyed green image by Steve Mann from Fotolia.com
Tie-dyeing is the process of folding, tying, and dying fabric to create patterns. Tie-dye never turns out the same way twice and designs can be as simple or intricate as you desire. Using the correct dye colors, additives, fabric preparation and dying technique helps to create the most vibrantly colored and long-lasting tie-dyes. - Tie-dying works best on natural fabrics, such as 100% cotton, silk, linen or wool. Rayon, nylon and acetate are synthetic fabrics that also tie dye well. If you choose a fabric blend, be sure that the blend has at least 60% cotton or other natural fiber. Fabrics that are more than 50% polyester, that have rubber backing, are water repellent, or are dry clean-only are not good choices for tie-dying. Pre-wash your fabrics to remove any dirt or chemical residues.
- Rit Dye recommends starting with the lightest color when dying with multiple colors. Remember that colors next to each other will blend into a new color, so plan accordingly. You will need to use more dye to achieve deeper colors and, if you want very deep colors, you will also need to keep the fabric in the dye bath for a longer period of time. Check the dye package instructions for specific times.
- Urea, an organic compound containing nitrogen, can be added to your dye at 1/4 cup per quart of dye to to help dissolve dye. Dharma Trading recommends dissolving urea in warm water before adding dyes to avoid "freckles" due to undissolved dye. When dying wool or silk with Rit dye, add 1/2 cup of vinegar to dye bath after five minutes of soaking the fabric, to create a deeper color.
- Remember that the folds in the fabric create the design. Wet the fabric before folding for clearer patterns. Use a pencil eraser to grip and twist fabric to create starburst patterns. Try adding marbles or sand into folded fabric to create interesting pattern effects.
- Use string, cloth or rubber bands to tie your fabric. Remember that synthetic materials will keep the most dye off of the fabric, while natural fibers may absorb and transfer some of the dye to the fabric.
- Soak the fabric you are dying for five to 15 minutes in a solution made of 1 cup of soda ash fixer to 1 gallon of warm water. Soda ash helps the fabric absorb more of the dye, giving more saturated colors and longer lasting dye patterns. Soak more delicate fabrics in white vinegar instead of soda ash.
- Mix individual colors in squeeze bottles with long tips. Not only are the squeeze bottles much cleaner to use, but you can also insert the long tip deep into the folds of the fabric to cover more area with dye. After dying, keep the fabric in a warm area wrapped in a plastic bag. The warmer the area, the better the dye will absorb.
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