Tie Dyed Button-Down Shirt

July 22 2019

Most people think of tie dyeing kids shirts or casual clothes but we tried it on a button down and love the final result. You can create this trendy summer look with a simple white button down. A fun idea for a DIY gift from the kids!

Supplies
  • White Cotton Button Down
  • Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: We Used Indigo and Pearl Grey
  • Plastic Squeeze Bottles
  • Rubber Bands
  • Salt
  • Baking Rack and Tray
  • Measuring Cup
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Paper Towels
  • Plastic Wrap
Time
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Difficulty
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Instructions
  1. Prewash clothing in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  2. Find a friend if you can. This part is easier with two people. Hold one end of the shirt while the other person twists the shirt until you can’t anymore. If you are working alone, you can secure one end of the shirt to a doorknob.
  3. Create a bundle with rubber bands.
  4. Wearing rubber gloves, mix 2 tablespoons of well-shaken Indigo liquid dye with two cups of hot tap water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Pour into a squirt bottle. Shake well. Repeat for Pearl Grey color.
  5. Squeeze dye onto clothing in random sections. Flip and repeat.
  6. To help set the dye, we recommend using your microwave. Wrap the dyed fabric in plastic wrap and seal the edges. Place the wrapped fabric on a paper towel in the microwave and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Plastic will puff up, creating a heat chamber that helps bond the dye with the fabric. Once the microwave is done, remove the clothing and open the plastic, letting it cool down.
  7. We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative on the clothing. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow package instructions.
  8. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
  9. If you would like to avoid using squirt bottles, another recommended dye method is to create a dyebath. Fill a large plastic container with 1.5 gallons of very hot water, 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/4 cup of dye. Stir well. Add the bundled shirt to the dyebath and let it sit for approximately 20 minutes. Once color is achieved, remove shirt and use our ColorStay Dye Fixative on shirt, follow package instructions. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent and dry.  
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