Though I have been able to find tie dyed separates that fit my 6’2″ frame, not being able to find a tall length tie dyed sweatsuit was a source of frustration for me. Cut to me finding a white sweatsuit in a tall range and tie dying my own dang set!
I also stained our balcony. Thank goodness I did not attempt to tie dye in our home as this activity is as messy as it is fun. What I learned from my afternoon channeling my inner hippie:
- Watch the Project Runway episode from this past season (season eighteen, episode ten) Live and Let Tie Dye and get inspiration from the designers.
- Research the different patterns ahead of time and consider the pattern placement. (For example, maybe don’t start a spiral over the crotch area of a dress? Just a thought…) Tulip has a great resource for patterns.
- To avoid muddy shades, try not to place complementary colors next to each other. If you do, allow ample room for the tie dye to bleed.
- You can use twine, rubber bands, or zip ties to secure the garment. I recommend zip ties and thicker rubber bands for heftier fabrics and twine or thinner rubber bands for more delicate fabrics.
- This goes without saying, but read the directions to your tie dye kit in their entirety before starting the process. (This is the kit I have and it includes the dye, gloves, plastic sheet, and rubber bands.)
- Wash and dry all of the garments you want to tie dye prior to tie dying them.
- On that note, consider tie dying something other than / in addition to the go-to sweatsuit or tee shirt. May I suggest a button down oxford shirt or shirtdress? I tie dyed an old seersucker dress that was nearing the end of the road and breathed new life into it.
- If you don’t have a plastic sheet to protect your workspace, a flattened trash bag works.
- Avoid wearing something you love because you will splatter dye all over it.
- Have all of the supplies handy at the time of tie dying: the garment, tie dye, water, a little funnel, plastic sheet, gloves, plastic wrap, and trash bags.
- Wear plastic gloves. This will decrease the amount of staining you get on your hands.
- In the case your hands do get stained, do not panic. Simply rub some baking soda and water into your hands and lather into a paste and rinse.
- If your shower or bathtub has enough room, set up a drying rack. Drape the garment over it and run the shower over it.
- A white vinegar wash or using a fixative will keep the colors vivid beyond the many future trips in the wash.
- Do not attempt to tie dye synthetic fabrics. They will not hold the dye. On the other hand, cotton, silk, linen, rayon are ideal. All of the items included below are not only available in tall / long lengths, but also nearly if not one hundred percent natural fibers.
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