A Brief Explanation of Tie Dye
Tie-dye is typically brightly colored, patterned clothing or fabric which is made from ordinary cellulose-based cloth through a process known as tie-dyeing. During tie-dyeing, a chemical reaction takes place which permanently bonds the colorful dye to the fabric, making tie-dye safe to wash amongst other, non-tie-dyed clothes once the excess dye has been removed. As the name suggests, the fabric is tied, usually with string or rubber bands, after being folded into a particular pattern. Some areas, where the fabric is tied and in inner parts of folds, do not absorb dye as readily, forming a pattern. This is known as a resist technique (the areas that are tied and the inner parts of folds resist dyeing). Patterns are also formed by applying different color dyes to different sections of the fabric. Next, the folded and tied fabric may be submerged in a bath of soda ash solution for 5-30 minutes. Submerging the fabric in a solution of soda ash, which has a high pH, prepares the cellulose fibers of the cloth for permanent chemical bonding with the acidic fiber-reactive dye used in tie-dyeing. Dye is then applied, either by submerging the cloth bundle in a bath of dye or by squirting dyes onto specific areas of the fabric. Alternatively, the soda ash may be added directly to the dye solution rather than soaking the fabric in a solution of soda ash. After 12-48 hours, depending temperature, dye, and the desired brightness of the final product, the fabric can be rinsed and unwrapped. After working out the excess dye under running water, tie-dye should be washed in a washing machine. A detergent called Synthrapol is preferred by many dyers, although any neutral detergent may be used. Excessively alkaline detergents may cause back staining. Contrary to popular belief, at least in the US, tie dye did not originate in America in the 1960s...maybe hippies...but not tie dye. Different forms of tie-dye have been practiced in India, Japan, and Africa for centuries. There are many informative websites out there if you want to learn more about the rich and colorful history of Tie-Dyeing.