I'd love to create some tie-dyed t-shirts with my kids this summer but I'm not sure how to get started. Do you have any tips for beginners?
Warm weather presents an ideal opportunity for t-shirt dying--there's no need to blanket your kitchen in newspaper when you can secure an outdoor spot for dying and drying. And when you follow a few simple guidelines and observe the specifications of a given product, fabric-coloring can be a fun family project or party activity.
• Cold water fabric dyes (like "Dylon" brand) are well-suited for kids because they don't require stove-top heating or soaking. These varieties are usually fiber reactive and promise to be permanent after one washing. Alternatively, hot water dyes (like "Rit") may be dissolved in hot water by an adult and allowed to cool slightly before kids begin using them.
• Wear rubber gloves while handling dye. If you do get it on your skin, scrub with soap and a nailbrush, but do not use household bleach. Also, avoid inhaling dye powder before dissolving it in water.
• Prepare liquid dye in a plastic bowl or bucket and mix it with a paint stirrer or plastic spoon--instead of cooking or eating utensils. Many product labels also suggest adding salt to your dye bath.
• Always pre-wash clothing to be dyed. Most dyes work best on natural fibers (combination fabrics should include at least 50% cotton). Shortly before coloring, soak your garment in water. Color application times vary according to technique, but in most cases, when dying is complete, you are advised to rinse fabric in cool water until the water runs clear. (Please note, however, that the Reverse Stencil t-shirt mentioned below should not be pre-soaked or rinsed after coloring.)
• Finally, for a drying surface, spread out a few layers of newspaper, topped by a layer of plain newsprint or craft paper. Lay the t-shirts flat on the paper to dry.
A great first time project to try are these Tie-Dyed Socks. Kids can experiment with many folding techniques and work with a range of colors stored in small containers. The same techniques can also be used to create t-shirts.
For other hip, yet easy-to-make t-shirts, try Seeping Dye Shirts, Sugar T's, or a variation on this theme, Reverse Stencil Shirts.
