Tangerine Batik Tank Top

Time to get down with some fun batiking! What screams summer more than a batiky tank top in a sunny shade of Tangerine Tango? I just knew Edie would look totally adorbs in this one. The henna-inspired, lotus floral pattern adds a kinda hip, exotic vibe and could be super great as a new yoga top. 

And for extra cuteness, the tank had a nylon lace racerback inset that dyed so perfectly. Rit Dye works on many different types of fibers and materials. So it's really fun to dye mixed fiber fabrics for a whole new look. Here's a handy list of all things dyeable for inspiration if you want to try to mix it up too.

And let's zoom in on that super-sweet lotus detail.

Pretty cute, right?

OK, it's time to get to the how-to...

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dyes- Tangerine & Sunshine Orange
• Cotton Tank Top
• Crafter's Pick Batik EZ Resist
• Fine-Tipped Applicator Bottle (optional)
• Auto Fade Pen
• 1 Quart Plastic Container
• Mixing Spoon
• Measuring Cup/Spoons
• 2" Foam Brush
• Parchment Paper
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Wrap
• Rubber Gloves
• Plastic Table Cover

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Prewash shirt to remove any finishes from the manufacturer that might hinder dye absorption. This tank top was mainly 100% but had a fun, nylon lace inset for the straps and racerback. Both fibers dye very easily with Rit. 

2) Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit inside the shirt. This keeps any resist that is applied to the front of the shirt from bleeding through to the back.

3) Cover your work surface with a plastic table covering. Draw a design with an auto fade pen or other washable marker. You can skip this step if you want to free-hand the drawing directly with resist but I find it helpful to have at least a simple outline of the design to guide me.

4) Draw the final design with the resist over your outline design. You can draw directly from the bottle or fill a fine-tipped applicator bottle for more control and precise detail. After the full design is drawn, let it dry completely. 

5) Layout sheets of overlapping plastic wrap a few inches larger than the shirt. Lay shirt down on top of the plastic. 

6) Grab some rubber gloves. Shake, measure and mix 2 tsp Tangerine + 2 tsp Sunshine Orange in 2 cups of very hot 140˚ water. Stir well.

7) Paint the dye onto the shirt until evenly saturated. Flip over and paint the back the same way. 

8) Cover the shirt with another layer of overlapping plastic wrap. Seal the edges of the plastic wrap. Fold to fit in microwave.

9) Line bottom of microwave with paper towels. Lay wrapped shirt in microwave and set on HIGH for 2 minutes. Let cool, then remove plastic and parchment paper.

10) Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. Wash with mild detergent in warm water and dry. 

That's it, your Tangerine Tango tank is done!!