Project: Tie-Dyed T-Shirt or Cloth
Level: Easy Age: 5 and up (with adult supervision) Materials needed: All-cotton white T-shirt (or soft cotton, rayon, or silk fabric), liquid fabric dyes (Rit© will work, although experienced tie-dyers prefer Jaquard’s Procion dyes), a large enamel or stainless-steel basin, a wooden spoon, rubber gloves, old towels, heavy mercerized thread, string, rubber bands, squeeze bottles (the kind used for applying hair dye work well) This can be messy, so work outdoors (a picnic table is great if you can manage it). Or create a table with two sawhorses and a piece of plywood. Wear old clothes. To get a clear pattern when tie-dyeing, the tying and stitching must be very tight and firm. An adult may have to help with this if you are working with a younger child. Directions: These are but a smattering of the many needlework, fabric, and weaving crafts you might want to explore with your child. The traditions of weaving, sewing, and needlework have been handed down from generation to generation, from ancient societies to today. They provide creative possibilities and a connection with our history that’s hard to match. For more ideas for tie dyeing, consult your local library. There is a videotape available called “Tie-Dye Made Easy” and a book called Tie Dye, Back by Popular Demand. Tie dyeing is a simple technique that has a lot of complex and challenging variations. Have fun with it!
