DIY Project

Fabric and sewing

Spiral tie-dye shirt

The classic swirl tie-dye on a cotton tee, bright and wild and totally yours.

Spiral tie-dye shirt
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 10 and up
Time45 minutes plus 24 hours setting
Cost$12 to $20

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Wear gloves and do it outside or on a covered table, since fabric dye stains skin and counters.

  1. Step 1: Dampen the shirt
    1

    Dampen the shirt

    Soak it in water and wring it out. Damp shirts soak up dye evenly.

  2. Step 2: Twist the spiral
    2

    Twist the spiral

    Pinch the center with a fork and twist until the shirt is a flat round cinnamon roll.

  3. Step 3: Band it
    3

    Band it

    Stretch 3 or 4 rubber bands across it like pizza slices.

  4. Step 4: Add the dye
    4

    Add the dye

    Squirt a different color on each slice. Flip it and do the back too.

  5. Step 5: Let it sit
    5

    Let it sit

    Wrap it in plastic. Leave it 6 to 24 hours. Longer means brighter.

  6. Step 6: Rinse it out
    6

    Rinse it out

    Rinse in cold water until it runs clear. Wash it alone the first time.

Edie's tip

Leave a little white between colors. Red next to green turns brown.

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