In recent years, you hear it more and more often: tie dye. Maybe you think: huh, what is this? In short, tie dye is a technique with which you can give clothing a different 'look' by means of textile dye and/or chlorine.

What is tie dye?

Tie dye is, as mentioned, a special technique for coloring clothes. Tie dye is possible on virtually all garments made of textile or bamboo. With tie dye, you create a pattern of color on the garments. You make this pattern by tying the garment and securing it with, for example, elastic bands (tie). When you are satisfied with your tied-up garment, the coloring part can begin. With the special textile paint, you can start 'coloring' your garment (dye).

Want to try it yourself?

Tie dyeing clothes is very easy and also fun to do. Want to try it yourself? Follow the steps below and make your own tie dye ankle socks!

Step 1 – Preparation

Before you start tie dyeing, it is useful to first make some preparations. First, choose the piece of clothing that you want to tie dye, for example a white t-shirt, a pair of socks or even a pair of trousers. If you want to tie dye a white piece of clothing, it is wise to order a set with different colours. A so-called tie dye kit contains various bottles to which you only need to add water, elastic bands and plastic gloves. If you are using a black or dark piece of clothing, you can also use chlorine mixed with water. When you have everything at home, you can start. In any case, it is wise to cover the surface with, for example, a plastic sheet. Another option is a large container so that you can do as you please.

Step 2 – Make your pattern

Tie dyeing allows you to create different types of patterns. The most common method is to 'twist' the clothing from the middle. Take the garment in the middle with two fingers and twist it tightly until you have a ball. Then use a number of elastic bands to ensure that it remains a tight ball (the tighter you make the elastic bands, the more 'original' fabric you will continue to see). With this method you create a 'tornado' of colour. Would you prefer a different pattern? Take a look at Pinterest for even more inspiration!

Step 3 – Painting

The tie dye paint is already in the bottles in the package. To use it, you only need to add water. The bottles indicate exactly how much water, shake it and you are ready to go! Again, make sure the paint does not get on anything else (you will not be able to get it off). Start slowly by applying the paint to the garment. The amount you apply depends on what you want. Do you want a lot of color? Then think carefully about the garment. Do you want to keep it a bit more subtle? Then apply a bit less paint. (Tip: if you make the garment wet, the colors will cover even better, the wetter the better it covers!). Happy with the result? Then wrap the garments in cling film and put them in a dry, warm place. The longer you let it soak in, the better the colors will cover.

Step 4 – Rinse

Cut the elastics, if you used them, to see the first result. Before you can put on your creation, it is wise to rinse the garment well first. First rinse the garment well under the tap. When you have rinsed the garment well, hang it out to dry. If you want to be sure that your garment is rinsed well, you can also put it in the washing machine. Let your garment dry well before you put it on!

Step 5 – Wear and wash

When you have worn your garment, you will of course have to wash it. It is wise to wash the garments that you have tie dyed separately the first few times (they will still give off some). You can iron them on the inside afterwards.

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