Follow Teen Breathe's step-by-step guide to creating your own tie-dye clothing at home.
If you want a new hobby that’s creative, helps the planet, and gives your wardrobe a happy boost at the same time, why not give tie-dye a go? The multicoloured method refreshes plain T-shirts, socks, jumpers, joggers,
denim jackets, and even jeans in just 24 hours, leaving you with a collection of bright new pieces that are completely unique. Not only do you get a colourful, one-off outfit at the end of it, but the arty activity is also a great way to reduce your own carbon footprint – as it encourages you to upcycle garments you already own, instead of buying new bits when you’re bored of your clothes.
The therapeutic task doesn’t just help fight fast fashion – it’s good for your brain, too. Photographer and journalist Hannah has the lowdown on the psychedelic craft.
SWIRLS MAKE YOU SMILE
‘There is so much more to tie-dye than just crafting. Tie-dyeing is guaranteed to put you in a brighter mood,’ she says. ‘It pauses your racing brain so you can concentrate on a colourful task and create something with your hands to be proud of.’ Creativity is known to reduce anxiety, so it’s no surprise that a colour-happy task like tie-dyeing lowers stress levels. After all, throwing rainbow paints all over your clothes to make something awesome to wear sounds pretty fun, doesn’t it? And you get to feel good about what you’re doing, too.
UPCYCLING FIGHTS FAST FASHION
‘Tie-dyeing can help you upcycle, recycle, be creative, and wear your clothes for longer – it’s slow fashion,’ Hannah continues. ‘People are aware of the human and environmental impact
of fast fashion, and are looking for the least harmful option.’ She believes that tie-dyeing helps people connect with their clothing in a new and meaningful way: ‘When you tie-dye something, you have a story to tell about it, you wear it with pride and are much less likely to get rid of it.’ And, of course, keeping clothes in use for longer helps lighten landfill and reduce their carbon footprint. ‘You can keep tie-dyeing the same T-shirt year after year, which is both creatively satisfying and good for the Earth.
FROM CREATIVITY TO LIFE LESSONS
Hannah thinks this crafty pastime can teach a positive life lesson about embracing unexpected outcomes instead of striving for perfection. ‘When people start, they often say they won’t be good at it or they’re not creative,’ she reveals. ‘But what I love about tie-dyeing is that it’s easy and unpredictable. You can’t go wrong. It really is the art of letting go.’ The crafty method (for an example, see instructions overleaf) means you might not be able to plan the exact pattern you want, but you can choose colours and blends to suit you.
‘You don’t have to do a crazy bright five-colour swirl, you could do a single colour dip-dye or just some socks to keep it subtle. That’s what makes it such a rewarding experience – you never know what you’re going to get,’ says Hannah. So what’s her final tie-dye takeaway? ‘My advice is to dig out any old white fabrics and give them a new life. It’ll brighten up your wardrobe and the world around you.’
THE CRUMPLE METHOD
YOU WILL NEED:
- Apron and gloves
- Old white fabric or clothes (made from natural material, such as wool or cotton)
- 1 bucket
- 2–3 colours of fibre-reactive fabric dyes
- A small bag to put dyed fabrics in (a compostable bag works well)
METHOD:
- Pop on your apron and gloves. Soak the fabric in a bucket of water. Wring out until it’s damp.
- Place the fabric flat in your bucket then squish the material together.
- When the fabric is crumpled, push it to one side of the bucket.
- Start with your lightest colour and cover the exposed material with dye.
- Open the crumpled fabric out, re-crumple it with the white fabric exposed and add a second colour.
- Do this again if you have a third colour.
- Check the back of the fabric and if you want even more colour, add some – normally it runs through.
- Place the dyed fabric in a small bag, tie the ends and leave it to sit for 24 hours.
- Take your creation out the bag and rinse it in cold and then warm water until it runs clear.
- Hang it up to dry, then wear it with pride.
This crafty pastime can teach a positive life lesson about embracing unexpected outcomes instead of striving for perfection.
WISE DYES
Some tips to try before you dye:
- Always wear an apron and gloves.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Ask permission to use a safe area.
- Put plenty of newspaper down first.
- Follow instructions from the dye manufacturer.
- Keep dye out of younger siblings’ reach.
