Spooky Tie-Dye Witch Costume

Get out the broom and create some cute spookiness!  This no-sew witch’s costume is fun to make and wonderfully unique.  Created from a Men’s XL T-shirt by the talented Jen Goode, it will fit children sizes 4T up to 8, depending on how long you want the dress to be. To create this look, Jen used a tie-dyeing technique, then cut and created the dress shape.  To give it a muted, more faded look, she did a final quick overdye dip.  If you prefer a brighter look, skip this step.  Every witch needs a hat, and to complete the costume, Jen added a long sleeved shirt, tights and a pumpkin for trick or treating!   

Jen is the owner and “doodler in charge” of  JGoode Designs, a Denver-based art and design studio. She specializes in handmade crafts, graphic design and illustration. Jen loves all kinds of color, multi-media, mixing textures and materials to create interesting pieces, often featuring her own illustrations and pattern work.

On to the how-to...

SUPPLIES :

• Rit Liquid Dye: Apple Green, Black and Purple
• 100% Cotton T-Shirt, Mens’s XL
• 1 yd. Black Grosgrain Ribbon, ¼” wide
• Scissors
• Rubber Bands
• Dyeing Supplies: Measuring spoons, microwave safe measuring cup, spoon, 2 large plastic containers, disposable rubber gloves, paper towels, plastic wrap, plastic table cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Cover work surface with a plastic table cover.

2.  For best results, prewash T-shirt to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

Tie-Dyeing T-Shirt

1.  Before dyeing, shake liquid dye bottles.  Wearing disposable rubber gloves, measure 2 Teaspoons Purple dye into a large plastic container; add 2 cups hot water and stir.  Then measure 2 Teaspoons Apple Green dye into another large plastic container, add 2 cups hot water and stir.  Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or a tea kettle.

2.  Dip top half of shirt in Purple dye solution for 1 minute. Remove shirt and squeeze out excess dye. 

3.  Dip bottom half of shirt in Apple Green dye solution for 1 minute.   It’s ok if colors overlap.  Remove shirt and squeeze out excess dye.

4.  Wrap entire shirt with plastic wrap, keeping colors separated, if possible.   Place in microwave for 2 minutes. Remove and let cool at least 2 minutes.  Remove plastic wrap.

5.  Bunch up T-shirt vertically.  Wrap with rubber bands about 2” apart along the body.  Then wrap bands around each sleeve individually, as shown.   

6.  Then prepare Black dye solution.  Measure 2 Tablespoon Black dye into large container, add 2 cups hot water and stir well. 

7.  Then quickly dip shirt in black dye solution for an overdyed effect.   Squeeze out excess liquid. Wrap again in plastic wrap, microwave for 2 minutes and let cool for 2 minutes.  Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.  Hang dry.

To Make Witch’s Costume:

1.  Cut bottom of shirt into vertical strips approximately 3 - 4” long and 1- 2” wide.

2.  Create collar by cutting 2 sets of small holes on the T-shirt neckline band, 2” from the center on both the right and left sides.  Cut 2 pieces of ribbon, 8” long.  Thread one piece of ribbon through both right holes and tie. Repeat on the left side. Tie ribbons together in center, gathering the fabric to create a tied cape look.

3.  Gather the shoulders of the shirt to better fit your child by cutting small holes from each sleeve shoulder to collar band. Thread a 10” length of ribbon through holes on each shoulder, gather and tie. Trim ribbon as desired.

4.  Cut bottom of each sleeve to create a shredded look.

Overdyeing Costume (optional)

To give the costume a muted, more faded look, Jen did a final quick overdye dip.  If you prefer a brighter look, skip this step.  Then machine wash and dry the costume.

1.  Bunch shirt and apply rubber bands so the shape resembles a tree with purple at the top and green at the bottom.

2.  Make another batch of Black dye solution.  Wearing disposable rubber gloves, measure 1 Tablespoon Black dye into a large container; add 2 cups hot water; stir well.  

3.  Dip into black dye solution briefly. Rotate fabric and dip again. Squeeze out excess liquid.

4.  Wrap entire shirt with plastic wrap, keeping colors separated, if possible.  Place in microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Let cool at least 2 minutes.

Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.  Machine wash and dry.