Tie and dye

A PowerPoint presentation about Tie Dye - a brief history, materials used and the different basic tie dyeing techniques and how they can be done.

1. By Bernard E. Richardson Master Teacher |A rt Educator |2021 ©Bernard E. Richardson| 2021 TIE DYE Simple Techniques

2. What is TIE and DYE? TIE DYEING is an ancient Art of decorating or producing patterns on fabric. It is a resist process in which areas of the fabric is tied off using string, cord and or rubber bands. The fabric is then dipped in the dye to reveal the intricate patterns created. The areas that are tied up will absorb the dye while the areas tied up will resist the dye and remain white.

3. Brief History of Tie dyeing Tie dyeing was developed about sixth century AD in Japan and China. It is also a traditional craft in India, Indonesia, Ghana and other African countries. The process involves using thread to tie off small pieces of fabric in intricate patterns before dipping the fabric in dye. People used natural dyes made from berries, leaves, roots and flowers to colour clothing. These natural items were boiled, and the fabrics then soaked in the hot, dyed water to be dyed a new colour .

4. Other names for Tie dye MUDMEE: is a specific type of tie dye that is native to Thailand and Laos. Mudmee patterns are known for gorgeous starbursts and rich vibrant colours . . BANDHANI : is the name given to tie dyeing in India. The term ‘Bandhani’ comes from the word ‘Bandhan’ which means tying up . SHIBORI: Is the method of tie dye that is native to Japan. There are several styles of shibori. JUMPUTAN: the tie dye process known and used in Indonesia. Traditional methods of Tie dyeing have been done in many cultures around the world and goes by different names:

5. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing It must be made of Natural fibres as they absorb and hold the dye well. Cotton (100%), linen, rayon, muslin, organdie, voile and silk are examples. FABRIC The fabric must be washed thoroughly first in warm soapy water to remove the ‘sizing’ (the chemical added to make the fabric stiff). muslin cotton linen voile organdie

6. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing (cont’d) A chemical added to the dye bath to help make darker colours brighter and to fasten the colour into the fabric Soda ash or salt may be used as a fixative. FIXATIVE FABRIC DYES Several brands are available – RIT, Dylon etc. Hot or cold water dye may be used. Pot Used for heating water to dilute the dye when using hot water dyes.

7. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing (cont’d) - For cutting fabric, string/rubber bands. SCISSORS - To protect your hands from the dye . RUBBER GLOVES STRING/RUBBERBANDS - To tie up the fabric you will be dyeing. PLASTIC BASIN - To mix dye bath and soak the fabric in when dyeing. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - An old T shirt or a lab coat that will cover your clothing and preventing it from getting dirty. DOUBLE CHECK TO SEE WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ADDED. BASIN FOR RINSING DYED FABRIC????????

8. Preparing the Dye bath To prepare the dye mixture: Select a suitable plastic basin. Collect a small amount of water then add the dye and mix well to dissolve the particles. (If hot water dye is used, first get some hot water and dissolve the dye in it). Add more water so that the fabric can be fully immersed into it. Add fixative (soda ash or salt) to the mixture. The will fasten the dye into the fabric to make the colour brighter and to prevent bleeding.

9. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES 1. BINDING (CIRCLES) Lay the fabric flat. Before folding and tying up your fabric rinse your fabric in water and wring it out so that it is not dripping. A damp piece of fabric will absorb the dye more easily. Gather up a small area to be tied off (with or without stones inside; other objects such as shells, marbles, bottle covers etc may be used also). Tie each one securely with the twine or rubber bands. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

10. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 2. MARBLING (CRUSHING/CRUMPLING) Lay the fabric flat Bunch up the fabric into a ball by crushing it up in the palms of the hands Tie it tightly with twine or using several rubber bands in a criss-cross manner. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

11. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 3. PLEATING (STRIPES) Lay the fabric flat Start by folding the fabric like an accordion or paper fan (back and forth). Secure tightly with rubber bands or tie tightly with twine at desired distances (e.g. 2 – 3 inches). Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

12. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 4. CONCENTRIC CIRCLES (BULLS EYE) Lay the fabric flat Pick up the center of the fabric Pull the fabric upwards into a cone shape to form a central peak Wrap with rubber bands or twine beginning at a desired length from the center. Continue tying off at intervals (every 2-3 inches) to form concentric circles of resist. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

13. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 5. SWIRL Lay the fabric flat. First wet the fabric to make it easier to manipulate. Using the fingers, grip the fabric in the center. Begin twirling the fabric in a circular motion around the fingers until all of the fabric is in a spiral shape (looking like a windmill). Grip and secure tightly in position with rubber bands or twine. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

14. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 6. KNOTTING Lay the fabric flat. Fold it into half lengthwise. Twist the fabric and tie it into a knot or several knots at intervals and pull tightly. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

15. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 7. RUCHING Lay the fabric flat. Get a piece of cord and roll the fabric around it either horizontally or diagonally). Use safety pins to pin the edges so the fabric doesn’t pop open. Gather up the fabric at both ends to compress it. Tie off the two ends together Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry. Horizontal Ruching Diagonal Ruching

16. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 8. FOLDING Lay the fabric flat. Fold the fabric in half, then in quarters. Fold again into a triangle. Tie tightly in the middle and at both ends. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove . Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

17. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 9. CLAMPING Lay the fabric flat. Fold the fabric into half then into quarters. Use binder clips to apply pressure to areas of the folded fabric. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Remove the clamps to reveal the design then place it to dry. N.B. Clothes pins, paper clips, bull dog clips etc can be used.

18. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d) 10. TRITIK (stitch resist) Lay the fabric flat. Using a needle and thread, sew on a design of your own using a simple basting or stab stitch. Pull the thread tightly at the end of sewing so that the fabric is gathered up together. Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove. Remove the thread to reveal the design then place it to dry.

19. RESOURCES The Adair Group. (2021) The history of the tie dye shirt . [Online] Available: https://www.theadairgroup.com/blog/2018/12/04/the-history-of-the-tie-dye-shirt/ (December 29, 2021). Palm, Mau. ( ). Osbourne, K. ( ). About Tie dye . [Online] Available: https://www.slideshare.net/kryssyosborne/tie-and-dye-power-point-54351467?qid=df12c84b-46e0-4e18-9617-b54af29fcc29&v=&b=&from_search=1 (December 29, 2021). Mexicali Blues (2020). Masters of Mudmee : The secrets to the Art of Tie dye. [Online] Available: https://www.mexicaliblues.com/blogs/our-stories-mexicali-blues-blog/mudmee-tie-dye-process (December 30, 2021) IMAGE COURTESY https://theneonteaparty.com/2019/07/02/how-to-tie-dye-101/ https://www.theadairgroup.com/resources/tie-dye-around-the-world/ https://www.botanicelevation.com/2017/03/07/making-natural-dyes-from-plants/ WEB RESOURCES BOOKS Belfer, Nancy. (1992). Batik and Tie Dye Techniques. New York: Dover Publications Inc. Kafka, Francis J. (1973). Batik, Tie Dyeing, Stenciling, Silk Screen, Block Printing – The Hand Decoration of Fabrics. New York: Dover Publications Inc.

20. ©Bernard E. Richardson| 2021 The End