Tie-Dyed Pillowcase Knapsacks

Step 1:

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.