Kids' Camp Crafts #2: Tie-Dyed Pillowcase Knapsacks

Kids love knapsacks! They’re small and easy to stash when they aren’t needed, but they can be quite roomy when it’s time to carry around a pair of sneakers, towel or balls. So what could be more fun than to show the kids how to make their own out of tie-dyed pillowcases? Have them choose two or three of their favorite colors, wrap the pillowcases with rubber bands, dip-dye and then finish them off in the microwave. Wtih just a few snips and some no-sew tricks, the pillowcases can be turned into drawstring bags in no time at all.

This is the second in a series of camp-style crafts designed by the versatile Jen Goode of  JGoode Designs, a Denver-based art and design studio. Her expertise in handmade crafts, graphic design and illustration culminates in a treasure trove of DIYcreations and we're so excited to showcase her work to inspire you to get crafting with your kids. 

Without further ado, here's the how-to:

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye: Fuchsia, Petal Pink, Sunshine Orange (bag 1)

• Rit Liquid Dye: Apple Green, Evening Blue (bag 2)

• 100% White Cotton Pillowcases

• Steam-A-Seam Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive 

• Fabric Glue

• Iron

• Scissors

• 12 ft. Clothesline or cotton cord, ½” diameter, for each knapsack

• Measuring spoons,

• Microwave-safe measuring cup

• Spoon

• Large glass mixing bowl

• 8-10 Rubber bands

• Rubber gloves

• Paper towels

• Plastic wrap

• Plastic table cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

Tie-Dyeing Pillowcases:

1. Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

2. For best results, prewash pillowcase to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. If using an old pillowcase, this may not be necessary.

3. Scrunch up pillowcase lengthwise and wrap 6 to 8 rubber bands tightly around pillowcase. The tighter the bands are wrapped, the more white space there will be.

4. Fold wrapped pillowcase in half and wrap center section with a rubber band. This will result in 3 “ends” of fabric that can be dipped in dye separately.

5. Choose two or three dye colors for dipping. For one knapsack, we used Petal Pink, Fuchsia, and Sunshine Orange. For the other knapsack, we used only two colors, Apple Green and Evening Blue.

6. Wearing  rubber gloves, shake dye bottle; then measure and mix 1 teaspoon dye with 2 cups hot water (140° F); stir well. Pour mixture into mixing bowl. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave for 2 minutes.

7. Immerse one end of pillowcase in dye solution for 3 minutes. Squeeze out excess dye solution.

8. Mix two other dye colors, one at a time, and dip the remaining ends of pillowcase in each color, being careful to leave a little white space between colors. For the two-color knapsack, the ends were dipped in Apple Green and the center section was dipped in Evening Blue.

9. Wrap entire pillowcase with plastic wrap. Place in microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool Remove plastic wrap and carefully cut away rubber bands. Rinse pillowcase in cool water until water runs clear. Machine wash in warm water with mild detergent; rinse and dry.

To Make Knapsack:

1. Iron pillowcase to remove wrinkles.

2. From the bottom up, fold pillowcase up ⅓ of the length. Cut a piece of Steam-A-Seam adhesive to fit between the layers. Using an iron, fuse bottom folded piece in place, following Steam-A-Seam package instructions.

3. Cut 2 pieces of clothesline cord, 6 feet in length for each drawstring strap.

4. To attach straps, first cut a small triangle about 1” from top left edge of pillowcase hem. String cord through entire hem of pillowcase, pulling cord out through the same hole.

5. Snip hole in lower left corner of pillow case.

6. Pull cord ends through from front to back of hole. Tie and knot in place. Trim excess cord. To prevent cord from fraying, apply a small amount of fabric glue to cut ends of cord. Let dry.

7. Repeat steps 3 – 6 to make right strap on pillowcase knapsack.