Tie Dye – Anyone?

Tie and dye has been around for ages and I believe the craft is very much alive except that the appreciation of the beauty of tie and dye rest with a select few. Befitting the sayings, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Tying and dyeing is another form of batek printing. This type of batek print designing is not lost in the fashion industries as the conventional tie and dye has been transformed and evolved to more chic and modern designs which can be appreciated by many. This technique has withstood the test of time and today we have the improved and easy version of tie and dye.

Tie and dye is the easiest way to beautify, accessorize and decorate one’s garments. It is also a great way to spruce up a plain white garment that you might be tired off. Tie and dye also provides an avenue for you to showcase your artistic creativity on your clothes. You get to put your art work on the fabric and wear it at the same time.

Growing up, I have seen my sisters experimenting with tie and dye on their clothes. Even though the process is neither simple nor straight forward but the outcome can be very rewarding. The idea is to fold, knot, tie, sew and bind fabric and then dye it in one or more colours. The dye penetrates some areas and not others, giving the highly individual effects and patterns. For tying and binding, you can use cotton or linen thread, string, cord, raffia or elastic bands. For additional designs, you can also use marbles or stones.

The old tie and dye process used either the cold or hot water method which can be fun but at the same time the whole process can be very tedious and time consuming - depending on the number of colors used.

For colors, you have to dye one color at a time starting with the light color first. When you choose two or more colors for tying and dyeing, they will of course blend with each other; blue and yellow gives green. Therefore it is important to understand the effect of color combinations when dyeing with multiple colors. For tying and dying, be expected to be wowed by the unexpected and the surprising thing is you either love the unexpected results or dislike it totally. So be prepared for the unexpected.

For design and effect, the different ways of folding, sewing, knotting or tying will give you different designs and effects. Some designs may require you to re-tie the fabric after each dyeing before proceeding with the next color.

For good results, the duration the fabric is submerged in the dye is another factor to take note of. For instance, too long in the dye will result in the color turning a few shades darker. The binding or tying has to be firm and tight to avoid the colors from penetrating areas that is not meant to be dyed.

Clothes like T-shirts, skirts, shirts and dresses are the most common items where you can tie and dye. You can also tie and dye creative designs or patterns that are unique to your style.

Apart from clothes, you can transform any of your ordinary household items into beautiful individualised art pieces by incorporating fantastic designs and patterns and using vibrant colors to give more colors to those dull white fabrics.

Household items that you may consider tying and dyeing to add colors and patterns are your ordinary towels, cushion covers, throw cloth, table cloth and napkins.

For best effect of tie and dye, ensure that the right fabrics are used. Fabrics that are suitable for tie and dye are cotton, linen, silk, polyesters and rayon.

Things that you need to tie and dye a plain white top:

• Plastic zip-lock bag
• Liquid fabric dyes
• Water spray
• Elastic bands
• Gloves
• Plain white top

• Slightly wet the plain white top using the water spray.
• Lay the top on a flat surface or table.
• To create the effect and design, firstly pinch the center of the top and hold it firmly.
• Slowly twirl it around in a clockwise direction. Continue twirling until the whole top is twirled up in a round shape. Make sure you tuck in the ends or edges as you twirl the top.
• Secure the twirled top with elastic bands around it. Make sure the elastic bands overlap to create wedge shapes around the twirled top.
• Spray it with more water on all sides to ensure that the fabric is soaked through.
• Wear your hand gloves and apply the colors on each wedge generously using the elastics bands as a guide. Alternate the colors as you continue with the dyeing.
• Flip it over and continue to dye the opposite side with the same color.
• Place it in a plastic zip-lock bag and seal it. Leave it for 24 hours.
• Remove the top from the bag and remove the elastic bands. To avoid messing up the place, do this over the sink or hand basin.
• Wash the colored top over the tap water and wash repeatedly until the water runs clear.
• Hang the top to dry.

Tie and dye has changed with times and is a very easy and simple do-it-yourself craft. Why not give it a try today and perk up your plain old top? You might revive the technique of tie and dye and be a fashion trend setter yourself.