In recent years, you hear it more and more: tie dye. Maybe you think: huh, what is this again? In short, tie dye is a technique with which you can give clothing a different ‘look’ using fabric dye and/or bleach.
What is tie dye?
Tie dye is, as mentioned, a special technique to colour clothing. Tie dye is possible on practically all garments made from fabric or bamboo. With tie dye you create a pattern of colour on the clothing. You make this pattern by tying the garment and securing it with, for example, rubber bands (tie). When you are satisfied with your tied-up garment, the colouring part can begin. With the special fabric dye you can start ‘colouring in’ (dye) your garment.
Want to try it yourself?
Tie dying garments is very easy and also fun to do. Want to try it yourself? Follow the step-by-step plan below and make your own tie dye ankle socks!
Step 1 – Preparation
Before you start tie dying, it is useful to make some preparations first. First, choose the garment you want to tie dye, for example a white t-shirt, a pair of socks, or even trousers. If you want to tie dye a white garment, it is wise to order a set with different colours. In a so-called tie dye kit there are several bottles to which you only need to add water, rubber bands, and plastic gloves. If you use a black or dark garment, you can also use bleach mixed with water. When you have everything at home, you can start. It is certainly wise to cover the surface with, for example, a plastic sheet. Another option is a large tub so you can work freely.
Step 2 – Make your pattern
With tie dye you can make different kinds of patterns. The most common way is to ‘twist’ the garment from the middle. Take the garment in the middle with two fingers and twist it tightly until you have a little ball. Then secure it with a number of rubber bands so it stays a tight ball (the tighter you put the rubber bands, the more ‘original’ fabric you will still see). With this method you create a ‘tornado’ of colour. Prefer a different pattern? Take a look on, for example, Pinterest for much more inspiration!
Step 3 – Dyeing
The tie dye dye is already in the bottles from the kit. To use it, you only need to add water. The bottles indicate exactly how much water, give it a shake, and you are ready to start! Again, make sure the dye does not get anywhere else (you won’t get it off). Start calmly applying the dye to the garment. The amount you apply depends on what you want. Want a lot of colour? Then soak the garment well. Want to keep it more subtle? Then apply less dye. (Tip: if you wet the garment, the colours cover even better, the wetter the better the coverage!). Satisfied with the result? Wrap the garments in cling film and place them in a dry warm place. The longer you let it soak, the better the colours cover.
Step 4 – Rinse out
Cut the rubber bands, if you used them, to see the first result. Before you can wear your creation, it is wise to rinse the garment well 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 well rinsed, you can also put it in the washing machine. Let your garment dry well before wearing it!
Step 5 – Wearing and washing
When you have worn your garment, you obviously need to wash it. It is wise to wash the garments you have tie dyed separately the first few times (they do tend to give off colour). Ironing can be done afterwards on the inside.
Don’t feel like making your own tie dye ankle socks at all? Check out the SOLIT Limited Tie Dye Edition!
