How to Make Tie-Dye T-Shirts
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How to Make Tie-Dye T-Shirts

HW
Howdy· Apr 1, 2026
0 of 5 done

Pre-wash and prepare

Pre-wash your white cotton T-shirt without fabric softener. While still damp, prepare your rubber bands. Set up your work area with a plastic sheet — dye stains everything.

white 100% cotton t-shirtrubber bandsplastic sheetgloves

Create your pattern

For a classic spiral: pinch the centre of the shirt and twist until the whole shirt forms a flat disc. Secure with 3–4 rubber bands to create pie-slice sections. For a crumple effect: randomly scrunch the shirt into a ball and wrap bands around it.

rubber bandsyour hands

Mix the dye

Mix fibre-reactive dyes with warm water according to the packet. Wear gloves at all times. Use squeeze bottles for easy application — one colour per bottle.

fibre-reactive dye kitsqueeze bottleswarm waterrubber glovesface mask

Apply the dye

Saturate each section with a different colour, working from lighter to darker. Flip the shirt and repeat on the back. Place in a zip-lock bag and leave at room temperature for 8–24 hours.

squeeze bottles with dyezip-lock bag

Rinse and reveal

Wearing gloves, remove the rubber bands under cold running water. Rinse until the water runs clear, then rinse in warm water. Machine wash cold on its own. Tumble dry and reveal your pattern!

cold running waterwashing machine
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How to Make Tie-Dye T-Shirts — Howdy