Tie-dying is an activity that I firmly believe everyone and anyone should have the opportunity to participate in at least once.
Just being able to create something so colorful and fun that you don't need to worry about having come out perfectly or uniform is such a nice thing to experience in a world where perfection and expectations are set so high.
Now, I have been running tie-dye events for a few years now (which is able to lead others in it is arguably better than actually doing it yourself), but it was just recently that I learned how need the activity is.
Wikipedia says that even though shibori and batik techniques were used occasionally in Western fashion before the 1960s, the modern "psychedelic" tie-dying that we're familiar with now didn't become a fad until the late 1960s following the example set by rock stars such as Janis Joplin and John Sebastian. I for one knew that it was popular in the 60s, but not that it was essentially created then!
With nearly 60 years of tie-dying, we have seen some changes happen that enable us to really go wild without dying. Below I'll show examples of seven really fun and simple tie-dye techniques that you can use the next time too!
1. Spiral.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
My personal favorite, the classic spiral is easy and can be done pretty fast if you get some practice twisting in! Just be sure to keep the twist tight!
2. Double Spiral.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
A slight variation on the classic, I enjoy this one nearly as much. Just be sure to really saturate the shirt with dye!
3. Bullseye.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
Lots of people do this with a wide range of colors, but I have always thought it looked neat just alternating between two colors.
4. Stripes.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
Although not shown, making them diagonal is probably the coolest way to do this one.
5. Rainbow.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
Alright, not gonna lie, this is probably the hardest version our of the ones I've picked here. Take your time when folding it, that's the key...
6. Pokadots.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
Like the rainbow, this one takes time, but like the bullseye, it's extremely easy!
7. Donuts.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/weavingmajor/5003067434
Alright, this design might edge out the spiral for my favorite. Heck, you can even twist the knobs that make up the donuts to create a bunch of little mini-sprials. It's the best of both worlds.
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