How-To Tie Dye Instructions

By Rain Blanken, About.com Guide

Be sure that you have the right dye for the job. I recommend fiber reactive dye. It is color fast and easy to find at your local craft store. All-purpose dyes like RIT are easy to find, but you will be disappointed with the results after a few washings. When you buy a tie-dye kit, it will include fiber reactive dye.

If you have chosen to use soda ash, now is the time to soak your garment. Mix one cup of soda ash per each gallon of water. Soak your clothes for 15 minutes to an hour in the soda ash. This step prepares the fabric to chemically bond with the dye by raising the pH level.

Prepare your dye according to the instructions that it came with. If you do not mix the dye and water correctly, your dye will not be as vivid or colorfast.

Once you are ready, it is time to apply the dye.

(Need help? Ask in the forum.)

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• How-to Tie Dye Instructions
• Workspace Preparation
• Tying Techniques
• Prepare to Dye
• Dye Application
• Wash the Clothing
• Tips

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