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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

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Time: 20 mins

Tie Dye socks using permanent markers!
We loosely based this craft on the Sharpie Tie Dye activity from Steve Spangler Science. Steve's version has you making a bunch of circles, and didn't work out too well on socks, so we experimented and splotches worked out best!
(I will add more pictures as I get them off my phone!)

Posted by Muffinator • Published 5th August 2010 • See Muffinator's 3 projects »

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Step 1
Gather your supplies. We used a bunch of similar colored markers because too many colors turn an icky brown/green color. Make sure your socks to color are clean. Wear rubber gloves if you don't want your hands stained, and make sure to cover the entire area with a table cloth or something. This will stain. If you get some color on your hands more rubbing alcohol will get it off skin.
Step 2
Using the permanent markers color random splotches across your socks. Make sure to color both sides. Color most of the socks, not leaving too much white.
Step 3
Holding your sock over a bowl drip rubbing alcohol over the whole sock. The colors will run and blur together. To get more of a color meld wring your socks out. If the blend doesn't make you happy drip more rubbing alcohol until you are.
Step 4
Set socks aside to dry. Be warned if you hang them up with clothespin you will have a white spot where the alcohol gets squeezed out.
Step 5
Once the socks are dry you need to heat set the colors. You can iron them on a high temp or toss them in the dryer.

You could also do a vinegar wash, but I have never tried this so have no experience with it.
Step 6
I would recommend washing these separately the first time or two you wear them. I've heard that the colors can bleed out a bit. I have not experienced it, but it's not something you want to risk either.