After decades of tie-dying and other textile arts, I have found some tools that are essential to the process. Read below to find the 13 must-have tools for tie-dyeing.
1. HOT water. For the best dyeing results the water MUST be HOT. It can be from the faucet, but must be too hot to handle on your bare hands for you to achieve saturated colors when dyeing fabric.
2. Salt. Salt acts as a mordant for the dye to be more easily absorbed into the fabric. Don't skimp on the salt; I use at least 1/4 cup for small dyeing projects like tie-dyeing a t-shirt, but will use much more for large pieces of fabric or larger garments like pants or dresses.
3. The right kind of fabric. Only natural fabrics will dye (easily). Cotton is best for beginners. Find 100 percent cotton fabric or t-shirts to dye.
4. Rubber gloves. Dye always dyes your hands. It looks weird, and it's toxic. Just wear gloves. People will look at you like you're gross and diseased if you have blue or purple hands. Trust me on this.
5. Protection for clothing. Splashing and dye splatter is inevitable, either wear old clothing or invest in an apron, smock, or lab coat to cover clothes. Also, don't wear shoes you care about.
6. Rubber bands. Buy a variety pack of different thicknesses and sizes of rubber bands. This costs only around a dollar. Don't save them once they've been dyed. Each size and shape will give you different tie-dye pattern results.
7. String. Get cheap craft string (the white stuff.) It is very inexpensive because you will also through this away as you use it. Tying garments and fabric with string instead of rubber bands will also yield different tie-dye patterns.
8. Small container for mixing. Never pour dye and salt directly into dye bath. Instead, mix salt and powder dye with a small amount of water in a small container to create a thick paste-like mixture until all powder dye and salt is dissolved. Then pour thick paste-like dye mixture into dye bath.
9. Utensils for mixing. You will need at least only small spoon dedicated to mixing dye. Don't ever use this spoon for food again and be sure to wash between dye projects.
10. Measuring tools. Not every project will require the same amount of dye or salt. Have dedicated measuring tools like cups and spoons as well.
11. Plastic bags. To get the brightest and most vivid colors when tie-dyeing, Place tied and dye-soaked garment into plastic bag and tie shut. This will keep the garment wet while you let the dye saturate the garment for up to 24 hours.
12. Paper towels. Always messy. Always have paper towels. Wipe up messes right away to avoid staining.
13. Bleach. Bleach beats dye always. Use beach to clean utensils, mixing containers and the sink before moving on to the next project.
Is there anything I have missed? Let me know in the comments if there are any tools you as a textile artist have found essential for tie-dyeing.
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