1. Projects & Learning
    2. /
  2. Project Ideas
    3. /
  3. Arts & Crafts Projects
    4. /
  4. Tie Dye & Dyeing
    5. /
  5. Shibori

Matching Shibori Shirt for Pet Lovers

by Rit Dye |

Item # 472234449P106
Beginner Under 1 Hour

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

  • Cotton Shirts for You and A Pet
  • Tie Dye Accessory Kit
  • Rit All-Purpose Dyes in Indigo
  • Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
  • Plastic Bucket or Container for Dyeing
  • Large Metal Spoon
  • Paper Towels
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Salt
  • Dish Soap

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prewash shirts to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
  2. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
  3. Lay both shirts flat on work area and decide where to place the center of the circle. Pinch the center and pick up, allowing the rest of the shirt to drape downward.
  4. About 1/2" from the pinched center, wrap shirt tightly with rubber band.
  5. Continue by wrapping rubber band in a crisscross pattern down the length of the pinched center. Pattern will vary based on the spacing and tightness of the rubber bands. Repeat for pet's shirt.
  6. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with two gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 140 degrees F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
  7. To enhance the color: (1) add one cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add one cup of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
  8. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  9. Wearing gloves, add 1/2 a bottle of well-shaken All-Purpose Liquid Dye in Indigo and mix well.
  10. Add bound shirts to dyebath. For a high contrast pattern, keep the shirts in the dyebath for about 3 to 5 minutes to keep the wrapped part dye-free. For more color and less white areas, leave the shirts in the dyebath for 10 to 20 minutes.
  11. When desired color is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Do not remove rubber bands. 
  12. We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. 
  13. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  14. Carefully remove twine and unfold the fabric.
  15. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

More Project Ideas