1. prewashed white t shirt ( no fabric softener) at least 50/50 blend, cotton is the best.
   
2. Dyes( I used Tumble Dye permanent fabric dye) : use at least 3 colors.
   
3. rubber bands or string.
   
4. plastic /newspaper to cover work area.
   
5. water.
   
6. optional for sewn designs
   
   1. needle and thread
      
   2. disappearing ink fabric pen
      

1. With disappearing fabric pen draw out line of your design, ( keep it simple, heart, circles, stars etc.) on your shirt.

3. After you have completed the stitching, you use the thread like a drawstring and tighten the fabric as tight as you can. This is why you use heavy thread, the thread is replacing the rubber bands.

4. Wet the shirt, now go to step 4 below.

1. Wet your shirt

2. Now accordion fold the entire shirt, or tie knots in the shirt, or twist the shirt, each technique will create a different pattern. Make one of each to see which you like best!

3. Wrap the "folded" shirt with rubber bands. Make sure to get them fairly tight.

4. Now spray the shirt with the fabric dyes, be sure to open some of the folds to make sure you get good dye saturation. Spray the colors side by side not over each other. You want the colors to blend where they meet, so I will keep some water handy and just pour a little where the colors meet to get a nice watercolor effect.

6. Now cut the rubber bands or string off and LAY FLAT to dry. I like to lay them out in the yard.

7. When the shirt is completely dry put it in the dryer on high to heat set the dye. This a great back to school or vacation bible school project, we always have big fun when we tie dye.

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