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Time: 1h30

Just can't get enough colorful patterned tights!
Normally, shibori would create horizontal patterns when using the wrapped pole technique. I got this cool effect by doing a diagonal wrap around the PVC pipe. It creates this long, sinewy, twisty leg look that's so crazy kicking!

Posted by edie d. from New York, New York, United States • Published 11th February 2010 • See edie d.'s 41 projects »

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ElizabethJuddTaylor added Twisty Wrap Shibori Dyed Tights to Blythe 04 Nov 17:02
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Step 1
1-- Start with washing and rinsing out the tights. Always squeeze out the excess water. You want them wet so the dye can absorb better but too wet is just crazy and messy.
2-- Go cover your work surface and grab some rubber gloves to mix the dye. Shake up the Yellow dye and mix 2 Tbsp dye with 4 cups of very hot 140˚ water. You can heat the water in a tea kettle if your tap's not hot enough.
3-- Now immerse the tights in the dye bath for just about 2 minutes or so.
4-- Remove from the dye bath and squeeze out the excess dye. Since Yellow and Scarlet are similar colors and blend to a fiery orange, you can go right to the next step.
Step 2
5-- Wrap the yellow-dyed tights diagonally around the PVC pipe. You can use a piece of masking tape to temporarily secure the tights to the end of the pipe.
Step 3
6-- Tie twine around the end of the fabric and make a good strong knot. Then wrap the twin around the pipe every ½" for about 4".
Step 4
7--Now stop and scrunch down this section of wrapped tights toward the end of the pipe. Continue wrapping and scrunching the full length of the tights. Secure the twine with a good knot.
Step 5
8--OK, let's mix up the next color! Shake up and measure 4Tbsp of Scarlet dye into a 4cup measuring cup. Add 4 cups of very hot water and stir well. Then fill a 3 gallon container with enough hot water to cover the tights on the pipe. Add your Scarlet dye solution and stir well. Immerse the wrapped tights in the dye bath for about 4-6 minutes. Then remove from the dye bath and unwrap the twine and tights.
Step 6
9-- Rinse tights in cool water until it runs clear. Launder in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang to dry.

Tada... my new happy legs!

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Comments

emmilou w. · Wallasey, England, GB · 12 projects 4th March 2010

hi there edie, i'm loving these tights!! i learnt the shibori technique at college but only used pebbles and buttons on t-shirts, etc...will deffo try this, thanks for the how-to ;D

edie d. · New York, New York, US · 41 projects 19th February 2010

Thanks for the love, friends. Colorful tights are a real addiction of mine and they're kinda easy to make.

Hey Kai, Those are a regular nylon blend tights. Rit dye works really well them and you'll get nice vibrant colors. It'll work with cotton blend tights too but I would probably leave them in the dye bath a little longer.
Oh, and I love to do graphics and I use Photoshop/Illustrator. That way I don't need to clean my room when I photograph my stuff.

Kai · San Francisco, California, US · 2 projects 19th February 2010

Not only is it a great idea but it is extremely easy to follow what you are saying. Well done!

2 questions.... Are tights just stockings (made of nylon) and what program did you use to create your awesome picture?

Thanks!