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Tie dyed fabrics are typically bright colored and are made from cellulose. The colors are applied using a technique know as tie dyeing and go through a chemical reaction that permanently bonds them to the cellulose fiber. Once the excess color is removed, the fabric is safe from "bleeding" and will not ruin other clothes washed with them. This permanent bonding takes place only if reactive type dyes are used.
The patterns obtained on the fabric are due to dye resist areas where penetration was to a lesser degree than in other areas. These patterns range from light to intense color concentrations. Various colors can be used in different areas with some overlapping. This can result in a rainbow of colors and color blends. A lot of these patterns can be reproduced to some extent but no two come out exactly the same.
Generally, the tie dyeing is done on garments such as cotton shorts or t shirts but occasionally cotton fabric is dyed to use in other projects such as quilting or making decorations.
Supplies necessary to get started tie dyeing:
Cotton garments or fabric
Reactive type dyes, soda ash (fixer), urea, and Synthrapol (soap) from MisterArt.com:
Sodium Carbonate (soda ash) take care while handling since this is a mild alkali and can irritate or burn skin.
Gloves for protection
Dust mask for protection
Safety glasses for eye protection
String or rubber bands
Measuring cups and spoons
Squirt bottle to dispense dye solution
A bucket or container large enough for presoaking cloth in soda ash solution
Urea (optional)
Check out the complete line of tie dyeing supplies and kits from - Dick Blick Art Materials 
Method for dyeing:
1. Pre scour (wash) fabric or garments before dyeing. I have found that dish washing detergent does a good job with removing knitting oils and waxes when used with hot water. Be sure that the fabric is rinsed well and extracted. You can start with a white or pre dyed piece of fabric.
2. Fold or tie the desired patterns using the rubber bands or strings. The tighter the bands the less the wicking that will take place. There are endless designs and patterns that you can come up with.
3. Wearing your dust mask, gloves, safety glasses, dissolve the Soda Ash in water (1cup/1gallon of water) allowing enough solution to soak the desired size of cotton fabric. Submerse the tied fabric into the solution and soak for approximately 10 minutes. After soaking, squeeze the excess solution back into the bucket and save for reuse.
4. While still wearing your protective gear, dissolve 1 tbsp of urea (if available) in 8 ounces of warm water and the add desired amount of dye according to your dye recipe or printed instructions. Pour the dye solutions into the squirt bottles and apply as many colors as you desire.
Remember that overlapping colors produce new colors.
Red and Yellow - Orange
Blue and Yellow - Green
Blue and Red - Violet, Rubine, Purple
Turquoise and Yellow - Bright Green or Bright Teal
These are just a few of the basic combinations.
5. Place the fabric into a plastic bag and seal of the air to keep from premature drying. For the best results leave the fabric in the bag for 24 hours. Some of the dyes have faster reaction times due to the size for the dye molecule and the solubility rating on the individual dyes. The turquoise has the slowest reaction time so it is best not to shortcut the time is the turquoise is used. Also, the hotter the temperature, the faster the reaction time. If the bag is left in a warmer climate, the reaction is more complete.
6. Once the time has elapsed, remove the fabric from the plastic bag and rinse the excess dye out with cold water. Do not let the fabric sit in the water or do not use hot water since some back staining will take place. Once the excess is rinsed out, start using warm water and remove the string or rubber bands while rinsing. When the water runs fairly clear, place the fabric in the washing machine filled with hot water and the Synthrapol soap. Run the fabric through a complete cycle. Remove and dry.
If you have any questions concerning tie dyeing or any other textile dyeing related questions please do not hesitate to contact us by email. Textile dyeing has been my livelihood for many years and I will attempt to answer any questions that you may have.
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