Summers, holidays, DIY projects, conversations, good times, and you think of making tie-dye textures on clothes for fun. But, how to bleach tie dye? Old, faded clothes get a make over within a few steps. A small reason to be happy and spend the day in colors, textures, patterns, and imagination.

A few basics; choose a well-lit and ventilated area to get started. Most of the supplies might be found at home. You do not have to shop for them. Bleach tie-dye can be done in numerous ways. Have fun with kids and teach them a new skill with the how to bleach tie-dye play project. An easy and fun DIY project for summers.

Supplies You Need

• Cotton or linen fabric/clothes
• Spray bottle
• 4-5 oz of bleach
• Hair ties (Tie your hair)
• Gloves
• Rubber bands, ropes, ties to secure the clothes for dying
• Dark colored clothing/ fabric with no prints or textures

Caution: Bleach is a chemical. The fumes from bleach can lead to burns if not done in a well-ventilated area and done without wearing gloves. Indoors is not recommended but if you have to, leave the windows open and turn on the fan. Ensure you get a lot of fresh air when bleaching your clothes.

Technique 1 : How To Bleach Tie Dye

Twist the cloth/ fabric that you want to bleach. The part that has the rubber band will remain in original color of the fabric after dyeing. Add rubber bands after twisting the fabric. Spray the bleach and leave it to dry for 8-10 minutes.

Do not use bare hands to dip it inside the bleach mixture. Use a string, tie it to the bleaching clothes/ fabric and leave it inside. Wear gloves during the entire procedure. You can create numerous patterns by tying the rubber bands in knots, twirls, etc.

To create a bleach mixture, fill the spray bottle with half bleach and half water. You can use a spray or a squeeze bottle. Do not leave the bleach on clothes or fabric for more than 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse in mild detergent after 10 minutes after removing strings or rubber bands. How to bleach tie dye technique 1 can be used on clothes and fabrics of all sizes.

Technique 2: How To Bleach Tie Dye With Patterns

Fold the t-shirt or any clothing you want to tie dye in pleats. Add rubber bands closer or tighter depending on how intricate you want the pattern to be. You get an intricate texture if you tie rubber bands closer together.

• Tie knots at different spots with rubber band to create a pattern.
• Hold the middle of the t-shirt and twist it until it looks like a swirl. Secure with rubber band or strings that intersect at the center.
• Crumble the T-shirt or any clothing you want to tie dye. Secure with rubber bands in random fashion.
• Trace the shape of your choice on a piece of paper.
• Transfer that motif onto the cloth.
• Stick a lose seam outlining the motif traced.
• Fold the clothing in pleats.
• Secure with rubber bands with spacing of your choice. You get the desired shape and pattern after you finish the bleaching process. This is how to bleach a tie dye to get interesting motifs and textures.

Technique 3: Shibori Method

Shibori is a traditional Japanese technique of using thread work to create intricate and unique patterns. It is usually made with indigo colored dye. It can also be done using a variety of colors, materials, and techniques.

Stitching is the common method used to create detailed motif for dyeing. Folding, binding, twisting, and stitching are used in combination to create this effect. This is a century old dyeing technique to create interesting tie-dye patterns.

Technique 4: Tie Dye With Different Colors

It is easy to tie dye using umpteen dye colors of your choice. When you use colors along with bleach you need to leave them to dry for 8-10 hours. When you are using bleach alone, you need to dry them for 8-10 minutes.

This is essential to keep in mind when using different techniques of tie dye with the use of bleach as well as colors. When using bleach without the use of dye colors; washing and ironing of the clothes is not needed.

• Get dye powder colors of your choice.
• Make a mixture by mixing dye powder with water.
• Pour the mixture in a squeeze bottle to get precise textures.
• Tie the clothing with rubber bands either crumpled, knotted, depending on the texture you need.
• Squeeze colors one after another on the sections as per your liking.
• Leave them inside a cover to dry for 8-10 hours.
• Rinse with cold water. Hang dry them. Do not use washing machine for rinsing and drying. If you do, switch to the cold mode of rinsing and drying.
• When using dye colors ensure you wash and iron the clothes before you get started.

Technique 5: How To Tie Dye The Bull’s Eye Pattern

Lay the t-shirt, fabric, or any clothing you wish to dye. This pattern works best for t-shirts that do not have seams or cuts in the center. Pinch the center of the t-shirt and twist it. About one inch from the center secure with rubber bands.

Leave a gap of 1-inch between each rubber band that you secure. Squeeze dye colors of your choice and leave it to dry for 8 to 10 hours if you are using dye colors.

If you are using bleach on a solid or dark colored t-shirt, use the same method. Leave it to dry for 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion

How to bleach tie dye in easy steps with colors and a variety of materials is a short and fun tutorial to get started. Have fun with colors, patterns, and textures using bleach and colors to dye clothes and fabrics in the motifs of your choice. You can use the same technique to get a stone wash effect for denim.