Tie-Dye A Starry Galaxy On Your T-Shirt

Tie-dye is a fun and creative way to upcycle clothing and give your plain items a new, funky edge. In this blog, we will be discussing how to make a star tie-dye t-shirt, a fun and festive design perfect for the 4th of July or any day! The process is simple and can be done with easily accessible materials. So, get your white cotton shirt ready and let's begin!

Choosing the right shirt

Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose for your shirt is essential to achieving vibrant and long-lasting colours. Natural fabrics such as 100% cotton are ideal, as they allow the dye to bond effectively. This results in more vivid and durable colours. While it is possible to use a cotton-polyester blend, the colours may not be as bright. Avoid using 100% polyester, as the dye will not adhere properly, and it will wash off easily.

Colour

For star tie-dye designs, it is best to start with a white shirt. This provides a blank canvas for your dyes, ensuring that your colours turn out true to their intended shade. Using a coloured shirt may alter the final hue, so if you're aiming for specific colours, it's best to stick with white.

Pre-washing

It is important to pre-wash your shirt before beginning the tie-dye process. This step helps remove any chemicals or sizing agents that could prevent the dye from properly soaking into the fabric. Use a mild detergent, preferably a professional textile detergent, to wash your shirt, and then soak it in a soda ash solution for at least 20 minutes. This preparation will ensure that your shirt is ready to absorb the dye effectively.

Folding

The way you fold your shirt is key to creating a crisp and symmetrical star design. Start by folding your damp shirt in half lengthwise. Then, using a washable marker, draw half of a star along the fold. You can use a stencil or freehand the design—just ensure that the top point of the star aligns with the top of the shirt. If you want an upside-down star, you can adjust the orientation of your design.

Comfort and Fit

In addition to the visual aspects, consider choosing a shirt that is comfortable and fits you well. Tie-dyeing can be a fun and creative process, but you want to ensure that you'll enjoy wearing the final product. Select a shirt that is made from soft, breathable fabric and has a comfortable fit. This way, you'll not only love the look of your star tie-dye shirt but also feel great wearing it.

Preparing the dye

Choosing the Right Dye

First, select a suitable dye kit. Craft stores offer kits that include everything you need, such as rubber gloves, rubber bands, soda ash, urea, and easy-to-follow instructions. These kits usually come with squeeze bottles, and you only need to add warm water. Alternatively, you can buy single packages of dyes, which also include the necessary urea, soda ash, and mixing instructions. However, you may need to purchase separate squeeze bottles.

Soaking the Shirt

If you are using Procion dye, as recommended by some crafters, you will need to soak your shirt in a solution of warm water and soda ash for about 10 minutes. This step is important to ensure the dye properly bonds with the fabric. Make sure the soda ash is thoroughly dissolved, and the water temperature is similar to a baby's bath. As soda ash is slightly caustic, consider wearing rubber gloves during this step. After soaking, wring out the shirt thoroughly to remove excess liquid, which will allow more dye to penetrate the fabric.

Mixing the Dye

Now, it's time to mix your chosen dye. Follow the instructions on your tie-dye kit, which typically involves filling the bottles with warm water up to a certain level and then shaking them until the dye powder is dissolved. If you want to create your own colours, you can mix the dye powder yourself, but be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling the powder. You can test the colours by putting a drop on a paper towel to see how they look.

Applying the Dye

Cover your work area with plastic, as the dyes can stain your clothes, floor, and surroundings. Wear old clothes and shoes, and have rags ready to mop up any spills. Put on your rubber gloves, and place the folded shirt on a couple of paper towels on top of a paper plate. Start applying the dye to the star design, using the lightest colour first. You can use a squeeze bottle, eye dropper, or spoon for this step. Be sure to flip the shirt over and add dye to the other side, pushing the dye into the fabric to ensure full saturation.

Setting the Dye

Once you have finished applying the dye, wrap the shirt in plastic wrap to keep it damp while the dye sets. Let it sit for at least 6-8 hours, or even overnight, for the best results. Then, rinse the shirt in the sink with cool and then warmer water until the water runs clear. Finally, wash the shirt in the washing machine with other tie-dye clothing, and dry it in the dryer before wearing your unique creation!

Folding the shirt

Now, fold the shirt in half lengthwise. You can match the seams on the sides of the shirt to help guide your fold. If your shirt doesn't have side seams, match the seams along the collar and follow that line to the bottom of the shirt. Once folded, you will have a clear centre line to work with.

Along this centre line, draw half of a star using a washable marker. You can use a stencil or a freehand template for the star. Make sure the top point of the star is facing the top of the shirt, unless you want an upside-down star.

Now, we will begin creating the star pattern through a series of folds. Start by folding the top point of the star over the front, matching it up with the middle point. Then, take the bottom point of the star and fold it in half onto itself. Pinch the bottom centre of the star to keep the fold in place. Fold this bottom half towards the middle point again, just as you did with the top point.

Next, fold the two halves of the star backward so that the opening is facing out. It might seem complicated, but it is similar to folding a paper aeroplane. Now, you will "accordion" or "fan fold" the shirt across the line you just created. This means folding the fabric back and forth in a zig-zag pattern. Secure these folds tightly with a zip tie or rubber band.

At this point, you can choose to tie-dye the rest of the shirt or leave it plain. If you want to continue the star design, simply fold the rest of the shirt according to its natural folds and secure with additional zip ties or rubber bands. If you prefer a more random design, you can scrunch the rest of the shirt and secure it with ties or rubber bands.

Applying the dye

Now that your star design is ready, it's time to apply the dye and bring your creation to life! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Prepare the dyes: Follow the instructions on your tie-dye kit to mix the dyes. Most kits will require you to add warm water to a line indicated on the bottle and then shake until the dye powder is dissolved. If you want to create your own colours, you can mix them in an extra bottle or a cup and test them on a paper towel before applying.

Protect your work area: Cover your work surface with plastic wrap or a plastic table cloth. Tie-dye can be messy, and the dyes will stain your clothes, floors, and surroundings. Wear old clothes and shoes, and put on rubber gloves to protect your skin from staining.

Apply the dye: Using a squeeze bottle, eye dropper, or spoon, add the first colour to the tip of the bound shirt, which is the star design. This will be your lightest colour. Then, add the second colour to the next section of the shirt. Continue adding dye to each section, alternating colours as you go. Make sure to fully saturate the fabric and push the dye into the shirt if needed.

Clean as you go: Use a paper towel to wipe up any excess dye from the plastic wrap between colours. This will prevent the dye from accidentally spreading to other sections of the shirt.

Seal and set: Once you've finished applying the dye, wrap the entire shirt in plastic wrap to keep it damp. Let it set for at least 6 hours, but preferably 24 hours, for the best results. This allows the dye to fully bond with the fabric.

Rinse and wash: After the setting time is up, remove the rubber bands and rinse the shirt in the sink with cool water, gradually making it warmer. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Then, throw it in the washing machine with other tie-dyed clothes and run it through the dryer. Your star tie-dye shirt is now ready to wear and show off!

Setting and rinsing the shirt

Once you have folded your shirt into the desired star pattern, secured it with rubber bands, and applied the dye, it is time to let the dye set. Wrap the shirt in plastic and let it set for at least 6 hours, but preferably 24 hours. The longer you let it set, the more vibrant the colours will be.

After the dye has set, it is time to rinse. Rinse the shirt in the sink with cool water, then warmer water, until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands and continue rinsing until all the excess dye is removed.

Finally, throw the shirt in the washing machine with other tie-dyed clothing and run it through the dryer. Your star tie-dye shirt is now ready to wear and show off!

It is important to note that tie-dyeing can be a messy process, so make sure to cover your work area with plastic and wear old clothes and shoes. The dye will stain anything it comes into contact with, including your skin, so be sure to wear rubber gloves.

Frequently asked questions