Sharai Tie Dye Instructions

Summer's here and it's the perfect time to DIY the cutest looks with tie-dye! The process is super simple and it's a great craft for people of all ages. Follow the instructions below to learn all of the basics for this fun summer activity. 

1. Wash Fabric (optional)

Wash fabric to remove any oils, dirt, etc. that may interfere with the dye.

This instruction is recommended for used fabrics you may be dyeing that are not included in your kits.

2. Prepare Fixer Water

Pour the contents of your Water Fixer package into a large container or bucket of warm water. We recommend wearing gloves to prevent any irritation on sensitive skin.

3. Soak Fabric

Soak your materials of choice in the dye fixer solution for 5-10 minutes or until the fabric is completely saturated. You can reuse the fixer water and treat several batches of fabric in the same mixture.

TIP: Wetter fabric causes the dye to flow out into fabric in a more feathery or marbled pattern while dryer fabric has less spreading and cleaner lines.

4. Fold, Twist, or Tie 

Wring our any excess solution from your fabrics back into your container. Place the fixed fabric onto your dyeing surface and fold, twist, or tie the pattern you want to dye. 

5. Prepare Dye Bottles 

Fill bottles with warm water and shake carefully until thoroughly dissolved for even pigment. Each bottle is 4oz and will hold about 1/2 cup of water. 

6. Apply Dye

Apply dye to fabric by squirting dye on your fixed fabrics. Most dyeing patterns require you to thoroughly soak the fabric with dye so make sure to flip your item over and apply dye to both sides. 

7. After Dyeing

Leave fabric alone once dyeing process is complete. Do not untie or undo the pattern. The longer you can let the fabric sit, the easier it is to rinse out loose dye. The length of time you let the dye sit is not overly critical so if you are in a hurry, let the fabric sit for as long as you can. We generally recommend letting fabrics sit for 2-24 hours if times allows.

8. Wash Loose Dye From Fabric

Wear gloves while handling fabric as the dye will stain your hands until after it's been washed. Place fabric under cold running water and rinse until water runs clear. Do not be concerned if lots of dye washes away as this is normal. It is also normal for dye to come out brown or black, or the fabric to appear discolored with "dirty" dye. After rinsing, move items to washing machine and use your regular laundry soap. Dry all fabrics. Make sure to take note of any care instructions on tags to prevent damage to your items!

You're done! Enjoy your new tie-dyed clothes!