Tie-Dying

This essay will explain a dying technique that is called tie-dying. Tie-Dying is a technique that can be used on many different fabrics to create different effect and millions of designs that are all one of a kind; no two tie dyes are alike. I have come to be very fond of tie-dye, using it as a means of support, owning my own small tie dye business for years. To design a tie-dye you will make several handmade folds that are secured by string or rubber bands, and then saturated in dye for different periods of time to create different shades of colors. The different folds and tightness’s of the folds create different effects on the fabric there for creating the name tie-dye. This technique is very simple and can be pulled off by just small children and up in age. “Today we are used to synthetic dyes that are easy to use because they are safe, long lasting and quick setting, but in the early days dyes had to be extracted from nature. Sources of these dyes were roots, berries and the flowers and leaves of a variety of plants like blackberries, safflower, marigold, sage, indigo and many others”(Merlin Silk)

Tie dying is a very unique process that involves very few steps, and if done correctly can be a very exciting and achieving experience for all ages. The first thing you will need to do is to buy or gather your materials before you can start your process. You will need a t-shirt or garment made of cotton (any light color will work and can be new or used), 10 - 15 different size rubber bands (different sizes will create different thicknesses of lines), an ample space on a counter or table, a big wooden spoon or stick to mix soda ash(Laundry booster) and water, A measuring cup to measure out 2 cups of Soda ash (Laundry booster), a ...

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...hing about tie-dye is that they all invulnerable and will have color on them, it just depends if you like the colors and design you have created, at this point is when you will know if you have completed the process of tie dying correctly. The more you create the better you will be at making your designs come to life and the more this will grow on you. Tie-Dye is great for all year around but is especially great summer because they are very colorful and can have a little color or a very vibrant color if wanted and can be very light weight and comfortable depending on what fabrics you choose to dye. Tie-dye can be a fun family activity to do as well because it’s fun for all ages and can be done outside for less of a cleanup.

Works Cited

(Merlin Silk)

- See more at: http://www.thaitiedye.com/2008/06/14/the-history-of-tie-dye/#sthash.cf7esKFQ.dpuf