Creating patterns on fabric. The effects of tie-dyeing are created by tightly tying. knotting, or sewing fabric in strategic places, then dyeing it. The tied areas remain untouched while the rest of the fabric absorbs the dye.
Lightweight fabrics of cotton, silk, or linen are best for tie-dyeing; avoid synthetics and blends. For tying, use any kind of string or thread, elastic bands, or pipe cleaners. Natural, cold-water, or hot-water dyes are suitable.
Basic techniques
Wash your fabric first and iron it. Prepare the fabric for dyeing. For a marbled effect, crumple it into a ball; wind string around it in all directions. For a striped effect. iron equal accordion pleats; tie them with thin string at equal intervals. To dye a second color, undo and retie the bindings in different places.
Immerse your fabric in the dye and stir it for the amount of time indicated by the manufacturer. Rinse the fabric until the water runs clear. Remove bindings, knots, or stitches. Unfold the fabric; iron it while still damp.
Making a “sunburst” scarf
Start with a square alight-ye/low fabric with hemmed edges. Pick up a point of cloth in the center and tie it. Smooth the fabric into a closed umbrella shape, then tie the rest of the fabric at equal intervals. Dye the fabric orange; rinse it. Tie between the first bindings, then color the fabric in red dye; rinse it; remove the ties. You should have a red, yellow, and orange pattern like a resplendent sun.