How to Tie-Dye Shirts

I found this kit from Hobby Lobby ($12 with a coupon. It comes with a lot of product, I think I have enough to dye at least 8 small shirts). The kit comes with the dye, bottles, rubber bands, and gloves. In addition, you'll need shirts (or whatever you're dying), an old towel or garbage bags, and aprons for your kids.

 The kit comes with directions, but I thought I'd share a few additional personal tips. To prep your shirts, get them damp. I threw ours in the washing machine in hot water to preshrink them.

The Spiral

Start by pinching bother layers (front and back) in the middle of the shirt. Start twisting.

Twist the fabric until it is all twisted up.

Now take 3 rubberbands and section off the shirt like a pie.

Put an apron and gloves on your little helper. Carefully explain where the color will go. Make sure the dye goes on the front, back, and all the little crevices. You might have to add more dye when your helper is finished and not looking... wink wink.

The Polka Dots

Pinch both layers of the fabric in random places and tightly wrap a rubberband on each section.

This might seem silly to mention, but be careful not place two sections right across the chest of the shirt, if you know what I mean.

Again, prepare your helper with an apron specific directions, and close supervision. Then let her have fun!

The Stripes

Fold your shirt accordian style (like the paper fans you made when you were a kid). You can make the folds lengthwise or widthwise.

Section off the shirt into equal portions, and add rubberbands.

Once you are finished applying the dye, place each shirt in a plastic bag, and tie in a knot. Let the shirts sit at least 6 hours (I let them sit overnight, to ensure the colors really penetrated). Then rinse the shirts- a lot of excess dye will wash out. My directions said to wash each shirt separately in the washing machine, but I washed them all together without problems. (Just make sure you don't wash them with any other laundry)!

Voila!