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Photo:Jason YoderThis post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
There are ways to create a custom wardrobe without breaking the bank.
One way to do that is by altering your clothing with fun and easy DIY projects.Tie-dyeis one of them.
When done, clothes and accessories can have a funky 70s-inspired look to them.
Photo: plepraisaeng/Depositphotos
Using just a few supplies, it’s possible for you to begin tie-dying with ease.
The good thing about this process is that its really hard to mess up.
Scroll down for a supplies list, techniques, and helpful videos that will teach you how to tie-dye.
Photo:Sharon McCutcheon
But first, what is tie-dye?
Photo: plepraisaeng/Depositphotos
Tie-dye is a dyeing technique that uses folding and tying toresist dye.
Essentially, wherever you fold or tie the fabric, the dye will not go to those places.
Photo: Vladimir75/Depositphotos
It will keep the fabric the same color as when you began the process.
Then, using a vat of prepared dye or squirt bottles, youll submerge or apply the dye.
Once complete, youll have a unique pattern.
Photo: Vladimir75/Depositphotos
Any place that was folded (or even crumpled) will be free of pigment.
Essential Supplies for Tie-Dye
Photo:Sharon McCutcheon
Tie-dye is a choose-your-own-adventure sort of craft.
Fabric dye or a dye kit Adye kitwill make everything easy by including the dye and soda ash.
Photo: Vladimir75/Depositphotos
Depending on the jot down of dye you buy, you may need an additive called soda ash.
Bucket Its best to have some sort of bucket for dyeing.
Invest in afive-gallon bucketand it’s possible for you to use it for tie-dye orshibori dyeing.
Usingsquirt bottleswill allow you to easily incorporate different colors onto your garment.
Rubber gloves Wearrubber glovesto protect your skin from the dye.
They will keep your design tight and ensure the resistance will stay.
Stir stick A wooden stick will work great for mixing your dye.
Plastic wrap Youll useplastic wrapin a later stage of the tie-dye process.
Just look in your closet!
Is there a shirt that youre not in love with anymore?
A pair of sweatpants that could use an upgrade?
This will probably involve warm water and adding soda ash or vinegar (if youre dyeing wool).
Stir well to combineyou dont want any excess dye powder floating around in your mixture.
If you want to use multiple colors, you could put them in squirt bottles at this time.
Create a tie-dye pattern with rubber bands.Heres where the fun really begins.
Soak your garment in water to prepare it for dye.This step will prepare the fibers to accept the dye.
You might want to add a bit of soap.
Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Once youve finished applying all the dye, let it soak into the garment.
Then, let it sit some morefor anywhere between six hours and two days.
Rinse your garment with cold water.Once youve soaked your piece, rinse out the dye using cold water.
This might take a while, and youll only stop rinsing once the water runs clear.
Once its out of the washing machine, dry and enjoy your new tie-dyed piece!
