On how to tie dye a blanket, there are two crucial stages you must do! The preparation stage, where you ready the materials and tie the blanket, and the mixing and applying stage, where the magic begins!
When talking about tie dyeing, the process isn’t the only thing that needs consideration. Other things to worry about are the pattern you will use and how you’ll keep it from fading. Read through this article to know more!
The Stages of How To Tie Dye A Blanket
Tie dyeing rose to popularity during the late 1960s, the rock ‘n roll and peace era. While the trend has dwindled since then, it is still alive today. Time allowed the birth of several folding and tying methods to create unique patterns.
T-shirts are not the only thing you can tie dye! You can also tie dye your curtains, tablecloths, skirts, shorts, sneakers, and bags. If you want to go big, you can also tie dye your blankets!
While tie dyeing a blanket will require more effort and time, the added color and style it’ll bring to a room will be worth it! To start you off, here are the two vital stages in tie dyeing your blanket!
Preparing and tying
- Step #1. Prepare all the necessary materials you will need, such as latex gloves, the tie dye, rubber bands, and the blanket.
- Step #2. Prepare the blanket. Wash and dry it if it’s brand new.
- Step #3. Start tying the blanket. You can decide the tying method by choosing first the pattern you want.
The most simple tie dye pattern involves gathering the blanket into small clumps and tying each one using the rubber band. The place beneath the bands will retain the blanket’s original color.
Mixing and applying
- Step #1. Start mixing your dyeing solution. Be sure to check the dye product for any instructions. Also, use the gloves!
- Step #2. Pour the solution into a tub. Follow the instructions. Some require additional salt or a particular range of temperature.
If you want to dissolve a higher quantity of dye without fear of diluting its color, you can add a tablespoon of Urea.
- Step #3. Apply the dye solution to the sheet. You can either soak the blanket into the solution thoroughly or squirt the dye on the area you wish to dye.
- Step #4. After quite an amount of time, remove the fabric.
- Step #5. Place the newly dyed blanket inside a plastic bag.
- Step #6. Remove the blanket from the bag after about 24 hours. Undo the bundle by cutting the ties.
What Kind Of Blankets Can You Tie Dye?
You can dye pretty much any blanket. From the thin throw, picnic, and beach blankets to the thick comforters, bedsheets, and beddings. The fabric is entirely a different story.
The types of fabric that would accept dye magnificently are rayon, linen, silk, and cotton. They will absorb about 80-100% of fabric tie dye. A blanket with a blend of cotton and polyester is mostly 50-50.
What Are The Best Tie Dye Patterns You Can Make?
Tie dyeing has been around for quite a long time. This is a crafting trend and process that involves colorful patterns and unique designs.
Over time, several tie dye folding techniques have emerged, all of which providing stunning results!
Here are some techniques for you to try out yourself!
The crumple technique
- Lay the fabric
- Scrunch it till all parts are a crumpled mound
- Secure with bands
- Apply the dye
- Flip and repeat
Stripes technique
- Lay out flat
- From the bottom up, accordion fold it
- Secure with bands
- Apply the dye
- Flip and repeat
Spiral technique
- Lay the fabric
- Pinch it in the center
- Twist it in a circular motion and continue till all parts are in a spiral
- Secure using three bands and create a wedge
- Apply the dye
- Flip and repeat
How Would You Keep Tie Dye From Fading?
Now that the tie dyeing process is covered, it is vital to know how to keep it from washing out. The materials you would need for this are white vinegar and mild laundry detergent only.
Allow the tie dye to sit for 24-48 hours. Rinse as much of the dye as possible, then leave to air dry.
Add a cup of vinegar to a sink or basin with cold water and soak the tie dye blanket for 30 minutes before you wash it for the first time. Drain and refill the basin or sink with cold water.
Add a teaspoon of the mild detergent and soak the blanket once again. Swish it around the water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more.
Squeeze the blanket and shake to prevent wrinkles. Hang it out to air dry. Don’t expose it to direct sunlight since that will lead to fading.
One important thing to note is that hand washing will surely keep the colors vibrant longer than machine washing.
Conclusion
Tie dyes are something that never went out of fashion. Aside from t-shirts, you can tie dye other various fabrics – blankets included!
Just revisit this article if you want to learn more on how to tie dye a blanket and see it demand attention in a room.