TIE DYE
COMPILED BY
MERCY AMPOFOWAH OSEI
• Tie dye is an ancient Art of decorating or producing patterns on
fabrics.
• It is a resist process in which areas of the fabric are tied off using
string, cord, and or rubber bands. The fabric is then dipped in the dye
to reveal the intricate patterns created.
• The areas that are tied up will resist the dye and remain white.
History of tie dye
• Tie dyeing was developed in the sixth century in China and Japan. It is
also a traditional craft in Indonesia, India, Ghana and other African
countries.
• The process involves using thread to tie off small pieces of fabric in
intricate patterns before dipping the fabric in the dye bath.
• People used natural dyes made from berries, leaves, roots and flowers
to colour clothing.
Other names for tie dye
• Other cultures around the world have different names for tie dye:
• BANDHANI – it is the name given to tie-dyeing in India. The term
Bandhani comes from the word Bandhan which means tying up.
• SHIBORI- it is the method of tie-dye that is native to Japan. There are
several styles of shibori.
• JUMPUTAN – it is the tie-dye process known and used in Indonesia
• MUDMEE- it is native to Thailand and Laos. Mudmee patterns are
known for gorgeous starbursts and rich vibrant colours.
Material and equipment needed for tie
dyeing
1. FABRIC
• It must be made of natural fibres as they are absorbent and hold the
dye .
• Cotton (100%), linen, rayon, muslin, organdie, voile, and silk are
examples
• Note: the fabric must be washed thoroughly in warm water to remove
the sizing (the chemical added to make the fabric stiff)
2. FABRIC DYES – several brands are available – RIT, Dylon, etc.
- hot or cold water dye may be used.
3. FIXATIVE – a chemical added to the dye bath to help make darker
colours brighter and to fasten the colour into the fabric.
- soda ash or salt may be used as a fixative.
4. POT - used for heating water to dilute the dye when using hot
water dyes
5. STRING/RUBBERBANDS/RAFFIA- to tie up fabric to be dyed
6. SCISSORS - for cutting fabric, string /rubber bands
7. RUBBER GLOVES- to protect hands
8. PLASTIC BASIN- to mix dye bath and soak the fabric in when dyeing
9. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
• An old t shirt, lab coat or apron that will cover your
clothing and prevent it from being stained.
Preparing the Dye Bath
• To prepare the dye mixture:
1. select a suitable plastic basin
2. collect a small amount of water then add the dye and mix to dissolve
the particles (if hot water is used, first get some hot water and dissolve
the dye in it).
3. Add more water so that the fabric can be fully immersed in it.
4. Add fixative (soda ash or salt) to the mixture. This will fasten the dye
into the fabric to make the colour brighter and prevent bleeding
TIE DYE TECHNIQUES
Before folding and tying always rinse fabric and wring well to prevent dripping .
1. BINDING (CIRCLES)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Gather up a small area to be tied off (with or without stones inside: other
objects such as shells, marbles,
bottle covers, etc may be also used)
• Tie each one securely with the twine or
rubber bands
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes
then remove.
Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
2. MARBLING (CRUSHING/CRUMPLING)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Bunch up the fabric into a ball by crushing it up in the palms of the
hands.
• Tie it tightly with twine or use several rubber bands in a criss-cross
manner.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
3. PLEATING (STRIPES)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Start by folding the fabric like an accordion or paper fan (back and
forth).
• Secure tightly with rubber bands or tie tightly with twine at desired
distances (e.g. 2-3 inches)
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
4. CONCENTRIC CIRCLES (BULLS EYE)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Pick up the centre of the fabric
• Pull the fabric upwards into a cone shape to form a central peak
• Wrap with a rubber bands or twine beginning at a desired length from
the centre.
• Continue tying off at intervals (every 2-3inches) to form concentric
circles of resist.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
5. SWIRL
• First wet the fabric to make it easier to manipulate.
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Using the fingers, grip the fabric in the center.
• Begin twirling the fabric in a circular motion around the fingers until
all of the fabric is in a spiral shape(looking like a windmill)
• Grip and secure tightly in position with rubber bands or twine.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
6. KNOTTING
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Fold it in half lengthwise.
• Twist the fabric and tie it into a knot or several knots at intervals and
pull tightly.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
7. RUCHING
• Lay the fabric flat
• Get a piece of cord and roll the fabric around it either horizontally or
diagonally)
• Use safety pins to pin the edges so that the fabric does not pop open
• Gather up the fabric at both ends to compress it
• Tie off the two ends together
• Dip in the dye bath from 20 minutes then remove
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry
8. FOLDING
• Lay the fabric flat
• Fold the fabric in half, then in quarters.
• Fold again into a triangle
• Tie tightly in the middle and at both ends
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.
9. CLAMPING
• Lay the fabric flat
• fold the fabric in half and then into quarters
• Use binder clips to apply pressure to areas of the folded fabric
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove
• Remove the clamps to reveal the design then place it to dry
• NB. Clothes pegs, paper clips, bulldog clips etc can be used.
10. TRITIK
• Lay the fabric flat
• Using a needle and thread, sew on a design of your own using a
simple basting or stab stitch.
• Pull the thread tightly at the end of sewing so that the fabric is
gathered up together.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• remove the thread to reveal the design then allow
it to dry
