VALENTINE TIE DYE T-SHIRT

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Start by wetting the t-shirt, this will help the dye soak into the fabric.

Step 2 - Once damp, fold the t-shirt in half down the centre of the top. Use the fabric marker to draw half a love heart on the fold of the top.

Step 3 - Pinch the fabric together along the marker line until all the fabric is pulled together, wrap an elastic band around the marker line to secure bunched fabric. You can add more elastic bands spaced across the rest of the t-shirt if you wish to have more colour breaks.

Step 4 - Prep your dye colours following the packets instructions. We watered down our pink to create a pastel colour.

Step 5 - Make sure your work surface is clean and protected with a sheet or some cling wrap. Working on one section at a time, apply the die to the t-shirt ensuring the whole t-shirt is covered and the colours don't overlap.

Step 6 - Once finished, wrap the t-shirt in cling wrap and set aside to set for 6 - 8 hours depending on how strong you wish the colours to be.

Step 7 - When the time is up, remove the elastic bands and rinse the t-shirt under water to remove any excess dye. Allow t-shirt to dry.

Step 8 - Lastly use fabric markers to write a special love note in the centre of the love heart.

Tips & Tricks

- It's best to use natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or even silk for best tie dye results. Try to avoid cotton blends. Polyester and other synthetic-fabric shirts may not absorb the dye well.

- Use a cooling rack to place your project on whilst you dye it. This prevents the dye from pooling on areas you don't want it.

- For sharper lines, keep your fabric on the dryer side. If the fabric is wet, the dye will spread more. Keep in mind bulky fabrics will need to be more wet so the dye travels through better otherwise if it's too dry, it will only dye the top layers & you'll have patchy white areas. Keep a spray bottle on hand so you can work as you go.

- If you want lighter/pastel colours, dilute with more water and use less of the dye pigment. For more intense colours, use more of dye pigment.