How Does Tie-Dyeing Work?
Tie-Dye Popularity Tie-dyeing is a technique used to add extra-bright coloring to clothes in a somewhat predictable pattern. Although Tie-dyeing originated in early 1st century Peruvian culture, it became popular in America during the 1960s and 1970s. It’s an easy craft that can be done by children and adults. Required Fabrics and Dyes Tie-dyeing works best on fabrics like cotton that greatly absorb the reactive dyes used. When dyes like fiber-reactive Procions are used, the vibrant colors last throughout many wash cycles and only fade when exposed to sunlight repeatedly. Using pigment dyes can work on synthetic fibers but can fade after the first wash. Regardless of which type of dye is used, soda ash (sodium carbonate) must be added in order to increase the pH and give greater resistance to color fading. Basic Tie-Dyeing Process The process begins with washing the clothing to get rid of any additional sealants that could keep dye from penetrating the fabric. Then pre-soak the clothin
