How to make Tie Dye At Home

It is worth learning how to bleach tie dye. You can transform boring fabric into something beautiful and trendy. Bleach tie dyeing is a method that uses a colored fabric to “dye” it. This is why reverse tie dye was created. This involves the use of bleach to lighten or remove certain colors, creating an original and creative pattern.

Before you attempt to bleach tie dye, here are some things to remember:

#1 – SAFETY

Safety is a key consideration when you tie-dye your fabric with bleach. Even though the active ingredient is diluted, it can still cause irritation to your eyes, skin and mouth. If you inhale the active component, it can cause breathing problems and poisoning if swallowed.

It is best to keep your pets and children out of the work area. Instead, you can do the following:

1. Pick a good area to work: When bleaching tie dye, the best place to be is outdoors. If this is not possible, you can choose an area with sufficient windows or ventilation. Make sure the bleach doesn’t get into other parts of the house.
2. Wear protective gear: Rubber gloves that reach your elbows can be used to protect your skin against the bleach. You may also use a mask when working indoors. Also, eye protection glasses are recommended. To further dilute the active ingredients, you should immediately rinse the solution off your skin if it is spilled.
3. Protect your work area: You can use bleach to protect any items or areas that may come into contact with it, whether you are working outdoors, in the garage, or in your yard. Simply place plastic on your work surface.

#2 – FABRIC CHOICE BLEACH TIE DYE

Some fabric materials may not be compatible with bleach. It is a good idea to read the instructions and label of any product to make sure it works with the fabric you intend to reverse tie dye.

However, it is possible to damage or discolor fabric made from artificial fibers like nylon or polyester. Also, avoid those made from protein fibers. Choose fabrics made from plant fibers like linen and cotton.

Items in dark colors will provide the best contrast when bleaching certain areas. Bleach tie dye is a great way to use old clothes like t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and sweatshirts. This technique is best used with black shirts. Old jeans can be transformed into something completely different!

PREPARATION

Before you begin the process of bleaching tie dye, make sure you have the following items ready.

Materials and Working Surface

These are the things you will need:

• Bleach
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Measuring cups
• Safety gloves, mask and eye protection
• Water
• Timer
• Two water-filled sinks or basins

You will need rubber bands, twine, string, an old wine or PVC pipe as well as a bucket, spray bottles, squirt bottles, and tongs depending on your pattern. As mentioned earlier, cover your work surface with plastic.

Fabric preparation

Warm water can be used to prepare your solid-colored garment or fabric-made item. This will soften the fibers and allow for proper bleach distribution. Some people prefer to dry the fabric, so they place it in the dryer. Experts recommend using a dry cloth. We’ll be following their lead.

HOW TO BLEACH DYE TIE PATTERNS

After everything is done, you will need to decide which pattern to use. This will determine the design of the tie-dyed item. There are many options available, but here are four that you can start with.

• Spiral
• Bullseye
• Pole Wrap
• Flag Fold

SPIRAL PATTERN BLEACH TIE DIE

In bleach tie dye, the most popular pattern is the spiral. These steps will help you achieve this effect:

1. Smoothen the fabric out on a flat surface to eliminate wrinkles.
2. Use your fingers to pinch the fabric at the place where you want the center of the spiral.
3. To create spiral pleats, lift it slightly.
4. After the entire fabric is twisted into a spiral shape, secure it using rubber bands.

BULLSEYE BLEACH TIE DYE

This is a variation on the spiral so some steps may be similar.

1. Smoothen the fabric by placing it on a flat surface.
2. Use your fingers to pinch and lift a small portion of fabric where you would like the pattern.
3. Attach a rubber band to the area of fabric that you have lifted.
4. You can pull it up and tie it with a second rubberband. If you wish, you can tie a third rubberband.
5. Continue the process until the fabric is tied with rubber bands.

POLE WRAP BLEACH TIE DYE

This folding technique produces creases and folds that are not straight. Here are some things you should do:

1. Smoothen the fabric by placing it on a flat surface.
2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Next, take an old PVC pipe/wine bottle and roll the fabric onto it.
3. Multiple times, tie a string or twine around a pipe or bottle with your shirt.
4. To secure the scrunch, tie a rubber around both the top and bottom of the fabric.

FLAG FOLD BLEACH TIE DYE

This pattern is for you if you wish to make your fabric triangle-shaped after you have completed the bleaching tie dye process. You will fold the fabric in the same way as you would fold a flag.

1. Smoothen the fabric by placing it on a flat surface.
2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and fold it again.
3. Fold the bottom end of the fabric over one corner to create a triangle.
4. Make another triangle and make sure it is tucked under the first one.
5. Continue folding the fabric in a back-and-forth fashion, or over and underneath, making sure that every triangle is stacked on top.
6. Once you have created a triangle-shaped fabric, attach it with rubber bands.

HOW TO BLEACH TIED DYE – THE FIVE STEP PROCESS

These are the five steps to follow once you have finished folding your fabric in the desired pattern.

STEP 1: TIE THE FABRIC

Use any of the standard tie dye patterns to tie the fabric. To get more ideas, read how to tie dye. A scrunch pattern is the easiest. You just need to scrunch your garment up and attach rubber bands around it.

STEP 2: APPLY BLEACH

There are many ways to apply bleach. We will be focusing on three easy-to-follow and masterable methods. You can choose which method is best for you. However, make sure to have your eye protection, gloves, and mask on all times. Avoid fumes.

SPRAYING

Spraying is the most time-consuming method of application. You should wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from any droplets. These are the steps to follow:

1. In a spray bottle, mix 1/4 cup bleach with 3/4 cup water. Then shake the bottle gently. 1 part bleach to 3 portions water
2. Spray the solution in the sink to test the spray bottle. You should ensure that the spray bottle is spraying properly and not streaming. If necessary, adjust the sprayer. Be aware of the direction that the nozzle is pointed. Do not spray yourself.
3. Spray the entire top of the folded fabric.
4. Spray again after letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Repeat multiple times as desired, ensuring you don’t exceed 60 minutes.
5. Check for color changes after the last spray. After you are satisfied with the color change, move on to the rinsing step.

POUR

Do the following:

1. Apply a large amount of bleach to both sides of your fabric.
2. Allow it to sit for five minutes, then check for color changes. Leave it for five more minutes if there are no visible color changes.
3. You can repeat the entire process if there are any changes.
4. After five minutes, rinse the dye and then neutralize it.

SUBMERGE

This is the fastest method of bleaching, but it can cause damage to fabric if left on for a long time.

1. Half a cup bleach to a bucket of water. You will only need to use one to two cups water and two tablespoons bleach if you are working on small items such as bandanas and handkerchiefs.
2. Submerge the fabric in the solution completely and let it sit for a few moments. Depending on the item’s size and thickness, this can take anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes. Your clue is the visible color shift.
3. Use tongs to remove the item from the solution or your gloved hands. Next, you will need to proceed with the remaining steps of bleaching tie dye.

STEP 3: RINSE

Once you notice any color changes in the fabric, soak it immediately in warm water. To ensure that the fabric is completely rinsed, remove any rubber bands, strings or twine. To remove the bleach, swirl the fabric several times. Next, rinse the fabric in a second basin or sink with water.

STEP 4: NEUTRALIZE

This step removes any bleach residue from the fibers. This is because bleach can cause holes in certain parts of fabric.

You can simply spray 3% hydrogen peroxide onto the fabric if you don’t want this to happen. Pay attention to the directions on your hydrogen peroxide label. You will usually add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 portions of water. You can also buy ready-made neutralizers. Use gloves, masks, and eye protection to ensure safety.

STEP 5 – WASH THE FABRIC

You don’t need to wash or dry tie-dyed fabrics any different. Follow the instructions on the care label and laundry symbols. It can be washed in the washing machine using the appropriate detergent, or you can wash it by hand. Hang it to dry or tumble dry it.

IN CONCLUSION

Congratulations! The process of bleaching tie dye is not difficult. You can make patterns by yourself, and they don’t have to be perfect. Arts is about creativity. Be sure to prioritize safety and not bleach too much fabric. It’s best to begin with small pieces of fabric in order to learn the basics of timing, bleach dilution, and application. Have fun, and be creative!