DIY Guide to Tie Dye Style: The Basics & WAY Beyond

By Sam Spendlove

Go beyond the basic t-shirt with this go-to guide for tie-dye success—includes twenty projects including loungewear, home décor, and more!
 
Take tie dye to the next level with this in-depth visual guide! Beginners and those looking for new ideas and inspiration can find everything they need to know for all things tie dye in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format. Capture bursts of color in intricate waves and patterns with expert tips from the women behind The Pretty Life Girls website, who show you how to:
 

• Move beyond the basics with tie-dye swimsuits, wall art, socks, shoes, pillows, and much more
• Start simple with standard binding patterns, and then build to more advanced techniques
• Create twenty projects with step-by-step instructions

Learn more advanced techniques such as reverse tie-dye, ice dyeing, and more

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: May 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781644031568

Book preview

GETTING

Started

Dyes

Although this is nowhere near an exhaustive list of the types of dyes available, these are our favorite dyes for the beginner and are the kinds of dyes we use in this book. Each of these dyes will help you achieve gorgeous results while being affordable and accessible. They can all be found at major craft retailers.

Tulip Color: Tulip Color dye is great because it generally comes in a one-step kit that includes everything you need to make a simple tie dye project (squeeze bottles, rubber bands, and gloves). With most Tulip Color dyes all you have to do is add water and you're ready to go!

Bleach: A simple bottle of basic bleach can bring out the wild side of colored fabrics, especially 100% cotton! When using bleach you should always wear kitchen gloves, protective eyewear, and an apron, and only apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Natural Dyes: Natural sources like avocado pits, turmeric, hibiscus, and more can create gorgeous hues on fabric.

Rit Dye: Rit makes liquid and powder dyes, as well as dyes for synthetic fabrics. We like using them when we have a larger project to dye, when we are dip dyeing, or when we want to play with the tone of the color because they are great for mixing.

Fabric Creations Soft Fabric Ink: This dye is a powerful little bottle with a gorgeous color line that is great for dyeing natural fibers and synthetics! The main difference with this dye is that it must be set using heat. So, once you have completed a project, you will let the dye dry completely, then set the dye by ironing the item or putting it in a hot dryer.

Supplies

These are the supplies you'll want on hand for basic tie dye projects. For method or project-specific supplies, check the supply list for the individual project before you begin. You can also find tips and supplies for prepping fabrics and for setting and caring for your tie dye.

Rubber bands for binding your fabrics

Gloves to protect your hands from dye (dye will temporarily stain skin)

Squeeze bottles for controlled dye application

Dye-safe container, like a stainless steel pot or plastic container (that will not be used for food) or stainless steel sink. (Do not use a porcelain or fiberglass sink.)

Wire rack to keep fabric from sitting in residual dye

Plastic wrap to keep fabric wet during the setting process

TIP

In this book we list the specific brand and color of dye that we used for each project to achieve the results in our images. However, feel free to use the tie dye brands you like best or that are most accessible to you as it is very likely you will achieve similar results. Just be sure to read all labels for preparation and setting of the dye brand you are using.

Fabric Guide

In this book we will work with three kinds of fabrics:

FABRICS MADE FROM NATURAL FIBERS

Natural fibers in this context refers to cotton, linen, silk, and wool. These fabrics can generally be dyed easily with all-purpose fabric dyes and tie dyes. They can also be bleached easily, resulting in vibrant reverse tie dye results.

COTTON SYNTHETIC BLENDS

If your garment contains less than 35% synthetic material (such as polyester, acrylic, or acetate), and is blended with a natural fiber such as cotton, it can be dyed using all-purpose dyes and tie dyes. It will likely also bleach and reverse tie dye well, although not always with as dramatic of results as natural fibers.

SYNTHETICS

If your garment contains more than 35% synthetic material, it will dye most successfully with synthetic dye and generally will not bleach well. In addition, if your fabric has a waterproof or stain-resistant finish, it can resist wetting by water and will not dye.

TIP

We recommend only dyeing fabrics that