OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

Making tie-dye is easy and fun! Here is how you do it:

1. Start with a white cotton shirt or fabric. Get it a little wet first.
2. Twist, fold, or scrunch the shirt into a shape. Wrap rubber bands around it tightly.
3. Squeeze different colors of dye onto the fabric. You can use as many colors as you want!
4. Put the shirt in a plastic bag and wait. Most dyes need about 6 to 24 hours to soak in.
5. Rinse the shirt in cold water until the water runs clear. Take off the rubber bands.
6. Let your shirt dry, and it is ready to wear!

Always wear old clothes and gloves when you tie-dye. The dye can stain your hands and anything it touches!

The way you fold and tie your shirt decides what pattern you get. Here are some popular ones:

• The Spiral — Pinch the middle of your shirt and twist it into a flat circle. This makes a swirly rainbow pattern. It is the most popular tie-dye pattern!
• Stripes — Fold your shirt like an accordion back and forth. Wrap rubber bands across it. This makes straight lines of color.
• Crumple — Just scrunch your shirt into a ball and wrap rubber bands around it. This makes a wild, random pattern.
• Bullseye — Pick a spot on your shirt and pull it up into a point. Wrap rubber bands down the point. This makes rings of color like a target.