Batik-Dyed Hot Air Balloon Tote Bag

Step 1:

- Prewash tote bag to remove any sizing or finishes that may interfere with the absorption of the dyes. Dry and iron bag.

- Cover work surface with a plastic cover.

- Lay bag on a flat surface. Using the open tip of the Elmer’s Glue as a pen, freehand draw clouds with the glue onto the top section of the bag. Let glue dry for 5 hours or overnight. The glue creates a resist and prevents the dye from penetrating the fabric. This will result in white clouds.

- Accordion fold knit T-shirt fabric into a tube shape. Wrap with rubber bands every 2”. Wet fabric in warm water. Squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

- Wearing rubber gloves, mix ¼ cup Teal liquid dye (or one-half box of powder dye) with 1 gallon very hot water (140° F); stir well. Note: If tap water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or tea kettle.

- Wet bag and immerse in dye bath for about 10 minutes or until desired color is reached.

- Remove bag from dye and rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Then wash bag in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang dry. Iron to remove wrinkles.

- Immerse wrapped knit T-shirt fabric in Teal dye bath for several minutes, or until desired color is reached. Then remove from dyebath and squeeze out excess dye. Remove rubber bands and accordion fold the knit fabric in a different direction. Wrap with rubber bands.

- Wearing rubber gloves, mix ¼ cup Purple liquid dye (or one-half box powder dye) with 1 galloon very hot water; stir well. Immerse wrapped fabric in dye bath for several minutes until desired color is achieved. Remove and rinse in cool water until water runs clear. Then wash in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang dry.