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How-To Tie Dye Instructions

By Lorain Blanken, About.com

7 of 7

Tips

How to Tie Dye

A fun look for all seasons.

Rain Blanken
  • Do not use all-purpose dyes such. All-purpose dyes do not work well unless they are used in very hot water. Fiber reactive dyes are also much more colorfast, ensuring a long life for your tie dyed beauty. These can be found in Tie Dye kits at the craft store, or online.

  • Soda Ash, known as sodium carbonate, is an optional ingredient that will boost the pH, and therefore the vibrancy of your dye. You can find it in the pool section at the hardware store. Try the brand ‘pH Up’. If you use soda ash, your garment will not fade as quickly after a trip through the washing machine.

  • This is a very simple way to tie dye. There are many different ways to apply tie-dye techniques to get a different result. In the future, try low-immersion or dip dying.
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