A process of hand-dyeing fabric, in which sections of the fabric or garments are tightly bound, as with thread, to resist the dye solution, thereby producing a variegated pattern.

Tie-Dyeing

Process of imparting colors to a textile material through a dye (colour). Dyes are obtained from flowers, nuts, berries and other forms of vegetables and plants as well as from animal and mineral sources. These are known as natural dyes.

The other class of dyes is known as synthetic dyes. These are based on a particular type of chemical composition. Some of these dyes are- Acid ( Anionic) dyes, Basic ( Cationic) dyes, Neutral- Premetalized dyes, sulfur dyes, vat dyes, reactive dyes, pigment dyes etc

Dyeing Process

Are soluble compounds that can be either absorbed and retained by the fiber or chemically combined with it.

Dyes are generally fast—that is, they retain their color in the fiber throughout the textile-making process and under exposure to normal wear, including sunlight, water, and detergent washing.

Dyes, or dyestuffs

Tie-dye is a modern term invented in the mid-1960s in the United States for a set of ancient resist-dyeing techniques, and for the products of these processes.

The process of tie-dye typically consists of folding, twisting, pleating, or crumpling fabric or a garment and binding with string or rubber bands, followed by application of dye(s).

A Deep Look of what is Tie-Dye...

The manipulations of the fabric prior to application of dye are called resists, as they partially or completely prevent the applied dye from coloring the fabric.

More sophisticated tie-dyes involve additional steps, including an initial application of dye prior to the resist, multiple sequential dye and resist steps, and the use of other types of resists (stitching, stencils) and discharge.

Unlike regular resist-dyeing techniques, tie-dye is characterized by the use of bright, saturated primary colors and bold patterns. These patterns, including the spiral,mandala, and peace sign, and the use of multiple bold colors, have become cliched since the peak popularity of tie-dye in the 1960s and 1970s.

The vast majority of currently produced tie-dyes use these designs, and many are mass-produced for wholesale distribution. However, a new interest in more 'sophisticated' tie-dye is emerging in the fashion industry, characterized by simple motifs, monochromatic color schemes, and a focus on fashionable garments and fabrics other than cotton.[1] 

A few artists continue to pursue tie-dye as an art form rather than a commodity.

A variety of dyes can be used in tie-dyeing, including household, fiber reactive, acid, and vat dyes.[5] Most early (1960s) tie-dyes were made with retail household dyes, particularly those made by Rit. In order to be effective on different fibers, these dyes are composed of several different dyes, and thus are less effective, and more likely to bleed and fade, than pure dyes designed for specific fibers. This is the basis for the famous 'pink socks' phenomenon that occurs when fabrics dyed with mixed dyes are washed with other garments.

Dyes, fabrics, and discharge agents

. Most tie-dyes are now dyed with Procion MX fiber reactive dyes, a class of dyes effective on cellulose fibers such as cotton, hemp, rayon, and linen. This class of dyes reacts with fibers at basic (high) pH, forming a wash-fast, permanent bond. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is the most common agent used to raise the pH and initiate the reaction, and is either added directly to the dye, or in a solution of water in which garments are soaked before dyeing. Procion dyes are relatively safe and simple to use,[6] and are the same dyes used commercially to color cellulosic fabrics.

Protein-based fibers such as silk, wool, and feathers, as well as the synthetic polyamide fiber, nylon, can be dyed with acid dyes. As may be expected from the name, acid dyes are effective at acidic (low) pH, where they form ionic bonds with the fiber. Acid dyes are also relatively safe (some are used as food dyes) and simple to use.[7]

Vat dyes, including indigo, are a third class of dyes that are effective on cellulosic fibers and silk. Vat dyes are insoluble in water in their unreduced form, and the vat dye must be chemically reduced before they can be used to color fabric. This is accomplished by heating the dye in a strongly basic solution of sodium hydroxide (lye) or sodium carbonate (caustic potash) containing a reducing agent such as sodium hydrosulfite or thiourea dioxide.

They are used to bleach color from previously-dyed fabrics, and can be used in a sort of reverse tie-dye.

Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) -can be used to discharge fiber reactive dyes on

bleach-resistant fibers such as cotton or hemp Thiourea dioxide -can be used on cotton, wool, or silk

Discharge Agents

Stripes Spiral Polka Dots. Rosettes. Crumpled Look Pleats

DESIGNS AND PATTERNSTie-dye can be used to create a wide variety of designs on fabric

• Lightning Bolt

• Tulip Heart

Set up a work area. Tie dying, or any fabric dying, is a very messy business. To prevent unwanted dye accidents, set up a table with a plastic covering (like a plastic tablecloth or garbage bags) outside or away from any furniture or carpet.

Wash the fabric. Before you dye your item, you should wash it to remove any dirt and other unwanted things on the fabric.

Plan the design. Decide what sort of design you want your finished project to have. This will help you to finish the work early without.

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR TIE-DYEING ALONG WITH SOME HELPFUL HINTS

AND TIPS

Design as planned. Lay your shirt or other item out flat first and then do the design as planned and tie it as desired. 

Pre-treat the fabric. Pre-treat your item if necessary. With some dyes you will have to soak it in soda ash and with others, like RIT, you simply need to dip it in hot water.

Prepare your dyes. Each dye package should come with directions listing specific amounts and proportions of dye to water. If you would rather wing it or don’t have your directions, mix your different dyes in bowls of lukewarm water as you like.

Dye your shirt. It is usually best to start with the lightest color if you are using more than one color. Rinse or wait between colors as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure to follow all directions carefully when it comes to dyeing and rinsing your items. Some dyes require you to rinse immediately and others require you to let the item sit for at least 24 hours.

8. Clean the mess. When your dyeing is complete, make sure to clean all containers immediately with hot water and soap.

9. Let the dye set. Wrap the shirt up in a plastic grocery bag or saran-wrap to keep it moist. Then, set it aside for 4-6 hours so that the dye has time to react with the cloth. Placing the shirt in a warm area will help the dye to cure faster.

10. Rinse out the dye. Wearing rubber gloves, take the shirt out of the plastic bag and unwrap any string or rubber bands that you used. Then, rinse it with cold water in your sink to remove any excess dye. Be careful not to splash the water too much to avoid dying your clothes or countertops.

Clean the mess. When your dyeing is complete, make sure to clean all containers immediately with hot water and soap.

Let the dye set. Wrap the shirt up in a plastic grocery bag or saran-wrap to keep it moist. Then, set it aside for 4-6 hours so that the dye has time to react with the cloth. Placing the shirt in a warm area will help the dye to cure faster.

Rinse out the dye. Wearing rubber gloves, take the shirt out of the plastic bag and unwrap any string or rubber bands that you used. Then, rinse it with cold water in your sink to remove any excess dye. Be careful not to splash the water too much to avoid dying your clothes or countertops.

Wash your shirt. Be careful when washing your tie-dyed items. Most should be washed in cold water. The first few times they are washed, they might bleed, so wash them with like colors or alone.

Dry and wear your shirt. Allow the shirt to hang dry.

Friendly Reminders!•Again, the exact directions you follow will vary depending on what brand of dye you use. Read all instructions and precautions on the package carefully.•There is one thing you should remember while you tie-dye, no matter what brand of dye you use: Every tie-dyed item will turn out different no matter what technique and colors you use. 

Tie-Dyed T-Shirt With a Spiral Design