Tie dye basics

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Tie dye has been around for a long time--and for good reason

it's easy

anyone can do it

most of all---it's FUN!!

Here at Rupert, Gibbon and Spider---Jacquard Products we have everything you need to make great tie dye and our website is packed full of great information and instructions.

Basic supplies

To make great tie dye you need great supplies.
Here is a list of stuff to get you started.
Procion MX dyes
Color!! The most important aspect of tie dye. Here are 43 great colors to choose from.
Soda Ash
A mild alkali that promotes the chemical reaction between Procion MX fiber reactive dye and cellulose fiber. Soda Ash is necessary to activate and "set" Procion dye.
Synthrapol
A mild soap specifically made for removing excess dye so that dried articles may be washed with other laundry. Also great for a prewash to remove any grease or sizing that may be on the fibres.
Clothes to dye
Dharma Trading is a great source for dyeables.

Basic tie dye folds

Here are five simple folds to get you started.

the "Scrunch"
A REALLY simple fold to start out with. You could do it with a single color of dye or mix several together for unpredictable effects!
Horizontal Band
No it's not the my son's garage band! It's a basic fold, a good building block for more complicated designs.
The Rounded Yoke
Take your basic pleating skills to create a slightly more complex design.
the Spiral
A tie dye classic! Everybody wants to know how to do this one!
Stitched Heart
Stitched designs are easy to do and open up a world of creative possibilties!

Beyond stripes and spirals

When you've mastered some of the basic folds here are some images sure to inspire you on to explore more complex designs
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noellee

Halllooooo out there!!! I'm a girl who likes color and making cool things. I work at a terrific place known to the world as Jacquard Products where fabulous... more »

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