Rainy Day Tie Dye

If your family is like mine, 10 minutes after you put a white shirt on your kid it has a new stain. Instead of throwing out less than perfect t-shirts, save them up for tie dying projects on rainy days. Keep little hands busy and do some good for the environment at the same time.

With just a few simple supplies, you can create your own custom tie dye creations that are sure to turn heads and salvage some clothes headed for the trash.

All you need is some fabric dye in your desired colors, rubber bands, plastic gloves, and plastic bags to wrap the shirt in while the dye sets. You can find fabric dye at most craft stores or online.  We used a kit from our local craft store.

First, dampen the shirt with water so that the dye absorbs evenly. Then, twist or fold the shirt into your desired pattern and secure it with rubber bands. An easy design for beginners and kids is to secure the rubber bands as shown below to create circles.

Next, prepare the dye according to the instructions on the packaging. Once the dye is ready, apply it to the shirt using a squeeze bottle or sponge. Make sure to saturate the shirt thoroughly to ensure vibrant colors. I opted for the bathtub since I have a two year old and things get messy fast. I used a magic eraser to clean up the dye that did not easily rinse off.. If you're worried about staining your tub permanently, I suggest using a flat service and a garbage bag for protection... I will next time!

After applying the dye, wrap the shirt in a plastic bag and let it sit for at least 6-8
hours ( I let ours sit for 24 hours) to allow the dye to set. Once the dye has set, rinse the shirt under cold water until the water runs clear.

Finally, wash the shirt separately in cold water and hang it to dry. Your custom tie dye creation is now ready to wear and show off to your friends and family!

Not only is tie dyeing a fun and creative activity, but it also helps reduce waste by giving new life to old clothing. My kids were so proud of their creations they couldn't wait to wear them! So gather your stained t-shirts and get ready to create some one-of-a-kind tie dye masterpieces!

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