Tie-Dye Basics - The Spiral
A clear and easy tutorial on how to tie-dye a shirt with the most popular pattern: the spiral.
Learn how to make the classic spiral tie-dye t-shirt with this step-by-step tutorial. This timeless pattern creates a beautiful swirling design that's perfect for beginners and experienced dyers alike.
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How to Make the Classic Spiral Tie-Dye T-shirt:
This procedure will give you what you need to do this particular spiral pattern. If you are looking to learn the basics of tie-dye folds and patterns, this is a great place to start with one of the most popular designs.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Place a pre-washed, still damp (the fabric should not be dripping wet, but evenly damp as if it came directly out of the washing machine), t-shirt flat on a smoothed plastic drop cloth.
Step 2: Start the Spiral
Pick a spot on the shirt and pinch some fabric to place between your fingers. Some use a fork in place of your hands but that has been known to tear the fabric if you are not careful.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Roll Shape
Twist your fingers to begin the spiral twirl and begin wrapping the fabric around your pinch. Continue twisting until it resembles the shape of a cinnamon roll.
Step 4: Secure with Rubber Bands
Rubber bands (or tied string) is used to hold the fabric together. Slide the rubber bands under and over the spiral so that the fabric will hold its shape during the dyeing process.
Step 5: Soda Ash Soak
Wear your dust mask and dissolve 1 cup (8 oz.) of Soda Ash Fixer per gallon of warm water. Soak the tied garments about 5-15 minutes (until saturated). Reuse solution until gone. Squeeze out excess so garment is just damp, not dripping.
Step 6: Apply the Dye
Using your dust mask and gloves, combine water with all chemicals except dye. Add liquid to dye gradually, pasting up to avoid lumps. Apply the dye to your shirt using squeeze bottles, paint brushes, sponges, etc., as many colors as you want. Easiest to use a funnel to pour dissolved dye into squeeze bottles.
Step 7: Let It Cure
Put fabric (still tied) in a plastic bag (the idea is to keep it wet and chemically active - any method of keeping it wet is O.K.) and let sit for at least 4 hours but preferably 24 hours to "cure". Shorter times work better in summer, and longer times are needed when it is cold.
Step 8: Rinse and Wash
Remove from bag and while still tied, rinse off the excess dye under cold running water (faucet, hose or shower), then rinse in warmer water while you untie and after garments are untied, until water runs fairly clear. Have your washing machine pre-filled with hot water with Dharma Dyers Detergent and throw in the clothing as soon as it is rinsed, running it through a full cycle.
