This week, I wanted to show you an easy and fun surface design technique -- dyeing with a resist!
First off, a definition: a 'resist' is anything that keeps dye off a given part of your fabric. Resists can take many forms -- the rubber bands in tie dye, for example, or even fabric crumpled against itself -- but today I'm using plain ordinary white school glue. It's easy to make fun patterns with it, and it washes out once you're done dyeing the fabric.
So, grab a tee shirt, some dye, and a bottle of white glue!
Protect the back of your shirt by slipping a piece of scrap cardboard between the front and back. Then, start 'drawing' with the glue. It works best with bold, thick-lined designs. Set the shirt in a safe place to dry overnight.
Once your glue is dry, make up the dyebath following the directions on the dye package. Drop the shirt in. Stir for even color -- or, if you're feeling brave, leave a few wrinkles in the shirt and see what happens...
Once you are happy with the color (and keep in mind, it always dries lighter than you think it should) dump out the dyebath and start rinsing.
Follow the directions on the dye package -- and don't rush through this step! All those extra dye molecules can come out either now, in the sink, or later (on dolls and hands and in the laundry...)
During the final stages of the rinse, add a little laundry detergent and give it a hand-wash. All the glue should have washed out by now.
Roll the shirt up in a towel to soak up the excess water, then throw it in the dryer on high for about 30 minutes. This is called "heat setting" and is another way to help ensure the dye molecules stay where you want them. :)
All done! Congratulations!
For Pixie Faire,
Melinda
101 Comments
I love to dye fabric because it creates a completely unique finished product. I especially love dying over the top of batiks, Kona cotton fabrics, or old garments where I’m hoping for a fresh new look. My favorite application is on fabrics that I then cut up for miniature quilt squares. Rather than using commercial dyes, I prefer experimenting with teas, herbal infusions, and vegetable or fruit dyes. For instance, to create a subtle variegated tan dyed effect, I might use boiled onion leaves, allow them to cool in the pot with the dyed water, then slip the fabric into the cooled dye bath on top of the layers of onion leaves. This process requires leaving the fabric in the dye bath a lot longer than for commercial dyes, but the results are much more unique. After setting the color in a hot dryer, I then soak the fabric in a vinegar bath, then wash it one more time for a deeper set of the dye. I can’t wait to try this Elmer’s glue technique. It looks very interesting. Thanks Cinnamon! Your tips are always fun and inventive. I love all of your websites. They inspire be to create and expand my own ideas in new directions.
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I was afraid I would ruin whatever I dyed. This is a stinkin’ cute t-shirt and I think I will try to make one. Thanks for sharing so many cute ideas!
I’ve never tried to dye fabric. I will try it now. Was scared before. Thanks for your tutorials.
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I’m affraid to ruin clothes.
This is so cute it is a great idea with the Elmer’s glue!