DIY
How To Tie-Dye A T-Shirt
You asked, we answered! Beloved guest tailor Lilian Keene is back with the same fantastic hair and some new DIY goodness for everyone looking to up their wardrobe from home. This week: how to tie-dye your clothes. Lilian shows it with a T-shirt, but you can use tie-dying to reimagine any clothes that are old, stained, or just need some brightening up. Just listen to Lilian, because this super-cool girl knows what she’s doing.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- White cotton T-shirt (wash it before dyeing)
- Dye
- Rubber bands
- Latex or rubber gloves
- Large stainless-steel pot
- Stove or hot plate
- Bucket
- Large spoon or stir stick
- Table salt
- Washing machine
STEP 1
Prepare the dye! Pour 1 to 3 big spoonfuls of dye into the pot, add water and stir it up. Boil the water for 20 to 30 minutes.
TIP: You can use natural dye on this project. Lilian’s using brazilwood.
STEP 2
Prepare the tee! Twist the shirt into a circle, then wrap rubber bands tightly around it.
STEP 3
Place the shirt in the pot, and let the water boil another 20 to 30 minutes. Leave the shirt in longer for a darker color.
STEP 4
Retrieve your shirt. Use a spoon to fish it out of the pot, then place it in the bucket of water to let it cool down.
STEP 5
Remove the rubber bands, then hang up the shirt. Once it’s dry, machine-wash it in cold water with ½ cup of salt.
