Resist Dye Basics

Resist Dying, commonly called tie-dying, is an easy and fun technique anyone can experiment with and come out with a successful result. Because the results are unpredictable, each dye job is unique and exciting. I love resist dying, so I'm very excited to be able to share a beautiful basic scarf dye that you'll enjoy using as a cover up this summer. Try it out!1. A circle scarf created from natural fibers (cotton or linen), A fabric dye of your choice (I used Dylon which comes in tins and pouches), rubber bands, a glass or enamel pot, a measuirng cup, salt, a spoon or tongs to stir, access to a sink, an old towel to protect your work surface, rubber gloves to protect your skin from being dyed. 2-3.Prepare your scarf by lying it flat and deciding where you'd like to place your rubber bands. Create stripes of negative space (the color of your original scarf) by tying rubber bands tightly around that area. 4-5. For a more random pattern, twist your fabric as tightly as possible. Allow it to coil until you cannot twist any more. Secure the coil with rubber bands. I enjoy creating a combination of lines and random patterns for a more intentional design. 6. Prepare your dye by mixing according to your dye package instructions. Some dyes are meant to be hot, and others are cold water ones. Depending on the dye you have chosen, you may need to use salt as a fixative so your dye will not bleed out in the wash. Pay attention to the measurements on the package, and the amounts of water you require. I have been dying for years, so I do this by eye, and once you are familiar with the process, you can actually achieve some unique results by NOT following directions. It's fun to experiment. Once your bath is prepared, place your tied scarf into the bath and allow it to soak up the dye. Stir and turn it over a few times to make sure all air bubbles are being released and that all the fabric is receiving the dye. Depending on the dye you are using, you will leave the fabric in the dye mix for 20 to 40 minutes. 7-8. Here's the best part! Remove the scarf carefully from the dye pot and place it in your sink. Run it under cool water to remove excess dye, and carefully remove all rubber bands by unwinding (they're re-usable) or cutting. 9. You can choose to machine wash your new item to remove excess dye, or hand wash in cool water. Do not use detergent during this first wash, but make sure the water runs clear before squeezing out all excess water. Dyed clothing (especially natural fibers) will gradually fade and loose color in the wash over time. Hand washing and hang drying is a great option to reduce fading. If you choose to machine wash, wash your fresh dyes alone for the first cycle, and with like colors then on. Hang dry your dye work, and admire it's design. I love when spring arrives, because that's a great time to hang freshly dyed garments out on the line in the bright warm sunshine.Have fun resist dyeing! xo. Jill

Comments

[Tinacious.Me]

what a great way to spice up an outfit! "resist dyeing" hahah
http://www.tinacious.me

[Natasha Fatah]

Very cute!
xoxo
http://natashafatah.blogspot.com

[Carrie Rosalind]

I love this! That purple is just so perfect and it doesn't look like your typical tie-dye. <3

[Sallytangle]

I love to dye things!! Its the easiest and very cheapest way to alter something completely, i have just done a little piece on my blog about it called 'Deeply Dippy' lol. My next tie dye is going to be something that is already patterned or printed…just as i am curious!!!

[logan]

So cute!

http://www.loganmakesamess.com

[Viveca Johansen]

I've always wanted to try out resist dyeing! This summer I'll definitely try it out :)

http://www.stainsofpaint.blogspot.com

[robbie]

ohhhhh! this is amazing! so so good :-)

[Zoe]

Beautiful! Love the color!

[Bohemian Kate]

I'm so doing this...thanks for the inspiration!

[HELLO HAPPY DAY]

This photo reminds me of Liv Tyler in Lord of the rings! She's so enchantingly beautiful :)

[Jenny Stokes]

Oooh. i love this. definitely going to have to give it a try.
jennybodell.blogspot.com

[tara polly]

ooh, my inner hippie is so inspired by this! might just have to be tyedying this weekend. xo.

[thezenofmaking]

I'm not usually a fan of this dying method, but the horizontal stripe pattern looks great!

[Joanna]

Cool idea :)

[Karolina]

That makes me smiles because some memorys came.. back the elemantary shool we used to make shirts and bags this ways, it was so fun and this is how the the things look like: like a lot of fun!

[Zoe]

Gorgeous! on of my favourite dying techniques.

Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk

[Joana]

so cute ^^
http://kirittablogger.blogspot.pt/

[Rachael]

I love dip dye! It reminds me of being a kid again.Rx

http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/

[Mrs. Baker]

i love that scarf!

http://babybakerlove.blogspot.com/

[lili graffiti]

i love, i want the same !