Have you ever tie dyed clothing with your kids? It's a lot of fun and isn't too much work. You can buy plain white t-shirts or give new life to shirts they already have. You can also use old handkerchiefs, socks, or dad's old shirts.
There are all kinds of ways to tie dye -- colors, designs, techniques, but we'll start with the basic way.
What you'll need:
- Shirts/socks/bandannas to tie dye
- Dye - RIT or another brand
- Rubber Bands or String to create design
- Tubs to put dye in (some people also use spray bottles)
- Paper Towels for Clean Up
- Rubber Gloves
Here's how to get started. Find out more here.
- Choose your colors and dye. Follow the instructions on the packaging to mix up your colors. If you're using multiple colors, start dying with the lightest color.
- Add rubber bands or ties around the shirt to create designs. You can keep it simple by just adding a few randomly, or attempt designs.
- Put whatever you're dying into the tub of dye (or squeeze the dye onto the shirt if you're using bottles) for about five minutes and stir occasionally, removing when the color is just a bit darker than you'd like it to be.
- Rinse the shirt and move on to the next color. If it's your first time using tie dye, you might want to have each child pick just one color.
- Once you've added all the colors, rinse the shirt in cool water until it's running clear.
- Remove the rubber bands or ties and check out your masterpiece!
Have you ever done a tie dye project with your kids?
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This sounds so fun! My son did one in preschool but I have never tried it at home. Thanks!
I've never done tie dye with the kids... it's expensive, honestly. Just for a few shirts? My son and daughter are also too young for it. My son is five, and my daughter is 19 months old. Neither one is old enough to do tie dye...or mature enough.
Do your kids "car dance"?
- Cafe Kate
on Jun. 19, 2012 at 11:53 AM