Tie Dye

TIE DYE

Twist it, tie it, splash on the colour, then untie a bright, one-of-a-kind creation. Tie dye is pure colourful magic for the whole family.

What is tie dye?

Tie dye is a way of decorating fabric by folding, twisting or scrunching it, tying it tightly with string or elastic bands, then adding dye. The tied parts stop the dye soaking in, so when you untie it, bold patterns appear. It's a simple, joyful craft that grown-ups and children can do side by side.

People have been making patterns this way for centuries. Japanese shibori and Indian bandhani are two famous traditions, and bright swirly tie dye became a big fashion in the 1960s. It's been popping back into wardrobes ever since.

What are the different tie dye patterns?

The spiral is the classic. You pinch the middle of the fabric and twist it round and round into a flat snail shape, tie it into sections like slices of a cake and give each slice a different colour.

A bullseye makes rings of colour. Pull the fabric up from one point into a cone, then tie bands down its length.

Crumple, sometimes called scrunch, is the easiest of all. Just scrunch the fabric into a ball, tie it up and add colour for a marbled, cloudy look.

Stripes come from folding the fabric back and forth like a paper fan, then tying bands across it. You can even fold a heart shape if you're feeling fancy.

What happens at a tie dye session?

Your Activity Leader shows you how to fold and tie your chosen pattern, then you pick your colours. The dye goes on with squeezy bottles, a little at a time, and everyone wears gloves to keep hands from turning rainbow. Then comes the best bit: rinsing, untying and seeing your design for the very first time. The dye needs time to soak in, so your finished piece will need a good rinse and a wash of its own at home.

Is tie dye good for kids?

Yes, it's one of the friendliest crafts there is. There are no wrong answers, the results are always bright and every child ends up with something they can actually wear. It's lovely to do as a family too. Matching family t-shirts, anyone?

What should we bring and wear for tie dye?

Bring something made of cotton or another natural fabric, like a t-shirt, pillowcase or tote bag. Dye takes best to cotton, so the higher the cotton content, the brighter your colours. Polyester and other man-made fabrics won't hold much dye at all. White or pale items that have been washed first work best. Wear old clothes you don't mind getting splashed, as dye stains.

FAQ

DO WE NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?

Not at all. Your Activity Leader shows you how to fold, tie and dye, and all the dyes and equipment are provided.

IS TIE DYE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Dye can irritate skin or eyes if it is not rinsed off, and it must not be swallowed. Wear the gloves provided, keep your hands away from your face and do not put anything from the dye table in your mouth. If dye gets in your eyes, tell your Activity Leader straight away and rinse with clean water. Spilled water can make the ground slippery, so walk carefully.