The document provides a comprehensive overview of tie dyeing, an ancient fabric decoration technique using a resist process with various methods and cultural variations. It covers the history, materials required, different dyeing techniques, and tips for preparing the dye bath. Additionally, it includes resources for further reading and related techniques from around the world.

1. By
Bernard E. Richardson
Master Teacher|Art Educator|2021
©Bernard E. Richardson| 2021

2. What is TIE and DYE?
TIE DYEING is an ancient Art of decorating or producing
patterns on fabric.
It is a resist process in which areas of the fabric is tied
off using string, cord and or rubber bands. The fabric is
then dipped in the dye to reveal the intricate patterns
created.
The areas that are tied up will
absorb the dye while the
areas tied up will resist the
dye and remain white.

3. Brief History of Tie dyeing
• Tie dyeing was developed about sixth century AD in Japan
and China.
• It is also a traditional craft in India, Indonesia, Ghana and
other African countries.
• The process involves using thread to tie off small pieces of
fabric in intricate patterns before dipping the fabric in dye.
• People used natural dyes made from berries, leaves, roots
and flowers to colour clothing.
• These natural items were boiled, and
the fabrics then soaked in the hot,
dyed water to be dyed a new colour.

4. Other names for Tie dye
• MUDMEE: is a specific type of tie dye that is
native to Thailand and Laos. Mudmee patterns
are known for gorgeous starbursts and rich
vibrant colours..
• BANDHANI: is the name given to tie dyeing in
India. The term ‘Bandhani’ comes from the word
‘Bandhan’ which means tying up.
• SHIBORI: Is the method of tie dye that is native to
Japan. There are several styles of shibori.
• JUMPUTAN: the tie dye process known and used
in Indonesia.
Traditional methods of Tie dyeing have been done in many
cultures around the world and goes by different names:

5. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing
• It must be made of Natural fibres as they absorb and hold the dye well.
• Cotton (100%), linen, rayon, muslin, organdie, voile and silk are
examples.
1. FABRIC
The fabric must be washed thoroughly first in warm soapy water
to remove the ‘sizing’ (the chemical added to make the fabric stiff).

6. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing
(cont’d)
• A chemical added to the dye bath to help make
darker colours brighter and to fasten the colour
into the fabric
• Soda ash or salt may be used as a fixative.
FIXATIVE
FABRIC DYES • Several brands are available – RIT, Dylon etc.
• Hot or cold water dye may be used.
Pot • Used for heating water to dilute the dye
when using hot water dyes.

7. Materials & Equipment needed for Tie dyeing
(cont’d)
- For cutting fabric, string/rubber bands.
SCISSORS
- To protect your hands from the dye.
RUBBER GLOVES
STRING/RUBBERBANDS - To tie up the fabric you will be dyeing.
PLASTIC BASIN - To mix dye bath and soak the fabric in when dyeing.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
- An old T shirt or a lab coat that will cover
your clothing and preventing it from getting
dirty.
DOUBLE CHECK TO SEE WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ADDED. BASIN FOR
RINSING DYED FABRIC????????

8. Preparing the Dye bath
To prepare the dye mixture:
• Select a suitable plastic basin.
• Collect a small amount of water then add the dye and mix well to
dissolve the particles. (If hot water dye is used, first get some hot
water and dissolve the dye in it).
• Add more water so that the fabric can be fully
immersed into it.
• Add fixative (soda ash or salt) to the mixture.
The will fasten the dye into the fabric to make
the colour brighter and to prevent bleeding.

9. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES
1. BINDING (CIRCLES)
• Lay the fabric flat.
Before folding and tying up your fabric rinse your fabric in water and
wring it out so that it is not dripping. A damp piece of fabric will absorb
the dye more easily.
• Gather up a small area to be tied off (with or
without stones inside; other objects such as
shells, marbles, bottle covers etc may be
used also).
• Tie each one securely with the twine or
rubber bands.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

10. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
2. MARBLING (CRUSHING/CRUMPLING)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Bunch up the fabric into a ball by crushing it
up in the palms of the hands
• Tie it tightly with twine or using several
rubber bands in a criss-cross manner.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

11. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
3. PLEATING (STRIPES)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Start by folding the fabric like an
accordion or paper fan (back and forth).
• Secure tightly with rubber bands or tie
tightly with twine at desired distances
(e.g. 2 – 3 inches).
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it
to dry.

12. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
4. CONCENTRIC CIRCLES (BULLS EYE)
• Lay the fabric flat
• Pick up the center of the fabric
• Pull the fabric upwards into a cone shape to
form a central peak
• Wrap with rubber bands or twine beginning at a
desired length from the center.
• Continue tying off at intervals (every 2-3 inches)
to form concentric circles of resist.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

13. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
5. SWIRL
• Lay the fabric flat.
• First wet the fabric to make it easier to manipulate.
• Using the fingers, grip the fabric in the center.
• Begin twirling the fabric in a circular motion
around the fingers until all of the fabric is in
a spiral shape (looking like a windmill).
• Grip and secure tightly in position with rubber
bands or twine.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to dry.

14. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
6. KNOTTING
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Fold it into half lengthwise.
• Twist the fabric and tie it into a knot or
several knots at intervals and pull
tightly.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it
to dry.

15. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
7. RUCHING
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Get a piece of cord and roll the fabric around
it either horizontally or diagonally).
• Use safety pins to pin the edges so the fabric
doesn’t pop open.
• Gather up the fabric at both ends to
compress it.
• Tie off the two ends together
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to
dry.
Horizontal Ruching
Diagonal Ruching

16. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
8. FOLDING
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Fold the fabric in half, then in quarters. Fold
again into a triangle.
• Tie tightly in the middle and at both ends.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Untie to reveal the design then place it to
dry.

17. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
9. CLAMPING
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Fold the fabric into half then into quarters.
• Use binder clips to apply pressure to areas
of the folded fabric.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Remove the clamps to reveal the design
then place it to dry.
N.B. Clothes pins, paper clips, bull dog clips
etc can be used.

18. TIE DYE TECHNIQUES (cont’d)
10. TRITIK (stitch resist)
• Lay the fabric flat.
• Using a needle and thread, sew on a design
of your own using a simple basting or stab
stitch.
• Pull the thread tightly at the end of sewing
so that the fabric is gathered up together.
• Dip in the dye bath for 20 minutes then
remove.
• Remove the thread to reveal the design
then place it to dry.

19. RESOURCES
• The Adair Group. (2021) The history of the tie dye shirt. [Online] Available:
https://www.theadairgroup.com/blog/2018/12/04/the-history-of-the-tie-dye-shirt/ (December
29, 2021).
• Palm, Mau. ( ).
• Osbourne, K. ( ). About Tie dye. [Online] Available:
https://www.slideshare.net/kryssyosborne/tie-and-dye-power-point-54351467?qid=df12c84b-
46e0-4e18-9617-b54af29fcc29&v=&b=&from_search=1 (December 29, 2021).
• Mexicali Blues (2020). Masters of Mudmee: The secrets to the Art of Tie dye. [Online] Available:
https://www.mexicaliblues.com/blogs/our-stories-mexicali-blues-blog/mudmee-tie-
dye-process (December 30, 2021)
IMAGE COURTESY
• https://theneonteaparty.com/2019/07/02/how-to-tie-dye-101/
• https://www.theadairgroup.com/resources/tie-dye-around-the-world/
• https://www.botanicelevation.com/2017/03/07/making-natural-dyes-from-plants/
WEB RESOURCES
BOOKS
• Belfer, Nancy. (1992). Batik and Tie Dye Techniques. New York: Dover Publications Inc.
• Kafka, Francis J. (1973). Batik, Tie Dyeing, Stenciling, Silk Screen, Block Printing – The Hand
Decoration of Fabrics. New York: Dover Publications Inc.

20. ©Bernard E. Richardson| 2021