Tie Dye Tips

Tie dye can be messy business but it is fun. My daughter is the tie dye pro and over summer break, she talked me into giving this colorful adventure I try.

I splurged on a tie dye kit, bought us some plain white tees, and was instantly hooked. She wisely advised us to protect our work area with plastic and we like to do our messy craft outdoors on the picnic table. Moms, this is a MESSY fun project!

You can tie dye practically anything. Beyond the tees, I made myself tie dye handkerchiefs which I love to bring to mass when I get teary eyes and my daughter has tie dyed canvas shoes and a baby pad for her horse!

Colorful Ladies Handkerchief - Dry your eyes in style!

Let your creative mind be your guide!

Tie Dye Baby Pad for Horses

With that said, now my sweet gem will share her tie dye tips for you.

Tie Dye Tips:

1. Wear gloves and clothes you don't mind getting stained
2. Have a rag or plenty paper towels nearby for your hands between colors
3. Use Natural Fabrics - Dye tends to roll off of synthetic fabrics and is messier to deal with (I learned this the hard way with my handkerchiefs!)
4. Always twist from the middle and keep twisting until you are done - don't stop
5. Add more dye than you think you will need
6. Different patterns use different amount of colors
7. Put your creation into sealed bag to soak
8. Let soak for longest amount time possible
9. Rinse with a hose or in outside sink before putting in washer
10. Rinse with rubber bands on then take off rubber bands and rinse again

Unique and colorful canvas shoes