Cut Out + Keep

Tube Tie Dyeing Techniques

Indigo: Dye It, Make It

Posted by Ryland Peters & Small

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Depending on how many times you wrap the fabric around the tube, and how tight the folds are, you can create a variety of patterns using this method. The fabric nearest the tube will have the faintest pattern, while the fabric on the outside of the tube will be a darker blue. The fabric within the folds will remain undyed.

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  • Fabric
  • 18 in Plastic Tube , 3in in diameter
  • String
  • Prepared Indigo Vat
  • Rubber Gloves and apron
  • Bowls for soaking and rinsing
  • White Vinegar
  • Washing Detergent

Steps (5 steps, 45 minutes)

  1. 1

    Wrap your fabric widthways around the tube and loosely tie with string in a crisscross pattern up and down the tube.

  2. 2

    Push the fabric and string all the way down to one end of the tube, as far as it will go.

  3. 3

    Soak in cold, clean water for a couple of hours, and squeeze out any excess water.

  4. 4

    Dye in your prepared indigo vat.

  5. 5

    Rinse several times in clean, cold water, adding vinegar to the final rinse. Carefully cut through the string, unwrap the fabric, wash in detergent, and allow to dry.