How To: Tie Dye Hearts from 101 Tees

When I was designing and writing 101 Tees, I knew I wanted to include a tie dye heart technique.  I first started dyeing hearts when I was in college…my first ones were pretty cute and they got better over time. If it is your first time to dye a heart shape, you may want to test your folding on a scrap piece of knit or an old tee.

What you will need:
A prepared dye bath in a large bowl or bucket
A prewashed and damp light colored t-shirt – 100% cotton
Water-soluble marking pen
Rubber bands

Wash and dry your tee shirt. Re-wet your tee shirt just before dyeing. Wring excess water from the tee.

Add a little salt to the bottom of your dye bowl.

Add a splash of RIT dye to your dye bowl. I used about 1/4 cup for one tee.

Add hot water (I use a tea kettle to heat mine) until the dye bowl is full enough to cover your tee. Mix well.

Lay your wet shirt flat.

Fold the tee in half. Try to make a nice flat fold. Fold in half lengthwise, matching sleeve to sleeve.

Use a water-soluble pen or chalk for the next step.

Draw a half heart with the marking pen.

Accordion fold around the marked line.  Try to make the marked line as straight as possible. You may need to curve the fabric as you fold.

Wrap the the fold on the marked line with 3 rubber-bands.

Add more bands around the tee as you wish.

Dip into the dye bath.  Allow it to soak until you have reached your desired color. I soak for around 1-hour.

Swish and flip the tee around a few times during the dye time.

Grab some gloves!

Rinse the tee until the water runs clear.

Remove the rubber bands and hang dry. Wash in warm with detergent after the tee has line dried.

ENJOY and Happy Dyeing!
cathie

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