Easy DIY Tie Dye

This DIY tie dye project was something that’s been on my to-do list for YEARS. My daughter went to a birthday party and they made fancy pillow cases with an actual tie dye kit but my kiddo came home and reminded me that I had promised I’d make tie dye shirts with her using permanent markers that she could make designs with…isn’t it funny how they conveniently forget to do the things you ask them to do multiple times, but suddenly they can also recall something you may have said, I dunno, a few years ago!? That’s seriously when I first mentioned this tie dye shirt thing to her, and well, yeah, that’s how this came to be. We got to work right away! This DIY is super easy and most likely you have most of the items needed already laying around the house.

Supplies:

• Colored Permanent Markers
• Rubbing Alcohol
• White T-shirt
• Piece of cardboard
• Small Dropper
• Cup (optional)

Directions:

• Place the cardboard between the front and back of your T-shirt to prevent the Markers from soaking through and create dot patterns making sure not to place the dots too closely together because the ink will spread and you want to be able to see and enjoy each color.

• Be mindful of colors that will look good when bled together – yellow and orange, blue and purple, etc.
• Using complimentary colors too closely together may end in a muddy looking mess.
• My favorite color combinations were fuchsia with red and turquoise with green!

• We threw in some lines and swirlies but the dots turned out the best.
• Use a variety of large and small dots!

• Once you are done with your drawing, you will drop Rubbing Alcohol onto the middle of your designs to get the colors to spread out into a tie dye effect!
• Using a cup may make this process a bit easier for you if you made circular patterns.
• Secure the T-shirt around a cup using a rubber band (or just hold it taut with your hands) and drop a few splatters of Rubbing Alcohol smack dab in the middle of the design.

• To get the colors to spread out farther, add more Rubbing Alcohol to the center of your design.
• The faster you drop, the easier the ink will spread without being absorbed by the cotton.

• Once you are satisfied with your tie dye job, remove the cardboard and put your T-shirt in the dryer for 20 minutes to set the marker.

• Then, put it on and ROCK IT!

Notes:

• The fun part is coming up with any wild design your heart desires!

This was a fun task for me and my kiddos! I hope you family enjoys their new designs!

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