articles

DIY Tie Dye

Indoor Fun

By Angela Earley, Publisher August 4, 2020

We had a pretty bad storm come through today. Tropical Storm Isaias made his mark on NJ today. We couldn't go anywhere between COVID and State Of Emergency for the storm so I was trying to come up with a really fun activity. Then it occurred to me, tie dye shirts! I had bought plain white tees a while ago. I put them to good use today, that's for sure. I had everything already at home. I used basic home ingredients that most kitchens have. 


Items you'll need:

White t-shirt, socks, anything that is white you can tie dye.

Distilled white vinegar

Food coloring

Rubber bands

Water

Gloves or use 2 zip lock bags. But protect your hands. I still look part smurf lol.



Directions:

In a bowl, mix 1 part water and 1 part vinegar. We did two shirts so I did 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar.

Put in the items to be dyed. Wring out excess water.

Lay flat on a table ( I laid down a garbage bag on top of the table)

There are so many different designs to chose from. We did the basic swirl. Grab the center of the shirt, and turn it clockwise direction. Keep turning until it almost looks like a flower.

Take a few rubber bands to secure and keep the shape. I used 3 and made cross out of them.

Take the food coloring and go to town! We did one with just blue since that is my sons favorite color. The other one I just let him go wild with it. I didn't think it was going to come out good. But I was wrong. It came out totally awesome! So don't be afraid to go crazy with the colors.

Put in a shopping bag or zip lock bag for 2-4 hours. I did 3. 

Unravel it and let dry. Once dried you can wash (alone) and do not put in dryer. It will fade the color.


I haven't tie dyed anything since I was a kid. It was so much fun and I want my son to have fun memories that he will look back on one day like how I did today.


OUR OUTCOME!!




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