Heidi Melissa Kundin - DIY Tie-Dye: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Cool, Colorful Clothing and Accessories—35 Easy Projects for Everyone!

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Melissa Gerber

Photography by Heidi Kundin except:

Rosemary Cox: model photos on

Cori George: model photo on

Charynn Olsheski: model photo on

Cheryl Spangenberg: model photo on

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-6632-7

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-6878-9

Printed in China

TIE-DYE IS A RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD PROCESS, but each folding technique and dyeing method may require different tools and materials. In addition to natural fabrics and dye, here are the other supplies you will need when tie-dyeing the projects in this book.

Gloves are a must when working with dyethey protect your skin and keep your fingers from turning blue!

A dust mask also protects. Dye powder and soda ash are made up of extremely fine particles, so it is important to wear a dust mask when working with them.

A covering for your work space keeps everything tidy. Plastic tablecloths, drop cloths, old newspapers, and upcycled flat bedsheets all make excellent coverings for your work area.

An apron keeps your clothing covered. Or you can opt to wear old clothes while working with dye. Dyes will stain, of course!

Squeeze bottles allow you to apply dyes with precision and ease. Many varieties of plastic squeeze bottles are also available with fine-mist spray bottle tips, which offer an alternative method of dye application.

A small funnel is useful for adding dye to the squeeze bottles.

Sodium carbonate, commonly referred to as soda ash, is an essential component when tie-dyeing with fiber-reactive dyes. Soda ash raises the pH of the fabric and allows the dyes to perform the chemical reactions necessary to fix the dyes and bond them to the fabric. Soda ash must be used with fiberreactive dyes to achieve the desired results.

Urea is a humectant that draws moisture from the air and slows the drying and curing process. This keeps the fabric moist for longer periods of time and allows more time for the dye to cure, resulting in deeper, more vibrant colors. Urea is also an excellent dissolving agent, so it helps to ensure that dye powders will fully dissolve during the mixing process.

Dyers salt is a finely powdered salt that dissolves easily in liquid dye solutions. Salt is used as a mordant when vat- or tub-dyeing to help the fibers in the fabric better absorb the dye.

Plastic spoons make mixing simple. Large spoons are ideal for mixing soda ash solution or urea water, and small spoons are great for applying small amounts of dye powder during ice-dyeing.