Tie dyeing is a fun and creative way to make colorful patterns on clothing, sheets, towels and more. While traditional tie dye uses a bullseye pattern with different dye colors meeting in the middle, spiral tie dye creates a psychedelic swirl of two or more colors. With some preparation and practice, you can easily learn how to spiral tie dye fabrics in your own home.
What You Need
Spiral tie dye requires just a few supplies:
- Fabric – 100% cotton works best as it absorbs the dye well. Prewash fabric before dyeing.
- Dye – Fiber reactive dye powder or liquid dye specifically for tie dye. Have at least two different colors.
- Salt – Table salt helps the dye absorb into the fibers.
- Squirt bottles – For applying dye solution onto the fabric.
- Rubber bands – For tying and scrunching the fabric.
- Gloves – To protect your hands from stains.
- Plastic drop cloth – To protect work surface from drips.
Prepare the Dye
Before tie dyeing, you’ll need to prepare the dye solution:
- Fill squirt bottles with hot tap water, leaving some air space at the top.
- Add dye powder or liquid dye to each bottle according to package directions.
- Add 1/2 cup salt to each bottle and shake well to dissolve.
- Label bottles with dye color names.
The dye solution is now ready to apply to your fabric.
Tie the Fabric
There are different techniques for tying fabric before dyeing. For spiral tie dye, follow these steps:
- Lay the fabric flat on a clean surface. Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Gather the fabric diagonally in your hand from corner to corner and twist it tightly.
- Wrap rubber bands snugly around the twisted fabric every 1-2 inches to keep it bunched.
- Shape the fabric into a spiral coil and secure the coil with more rubber bands.
You should end up with a tight spiral shape held securely in place with rubber bands. The tighter you can gather the fabric, the more defined the spiral pattern will turn out.
Apply the Dye Colors
With your fabric tied, it’s time to apply the dye colors:
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Place the spiral bundle on your drop cloth or work surface.
- Use the squirt bottles to apply dye in a spiral pattern following the twisted shape of the fabric.
- Apply one color in a spiral going from the outside to the inside of the coil.
- Then apply the second color in a spiral going from the inside to the outside of the coil.
- Make sure to apply enough dye so the fabric is fully saturated.
The two dye colors will blend slightly in the center where they meet. Applying the colors going opposite directions creates a psychedelic spiral pattern.
Process the Dye
After the dyes are applied, you’ll need to process the fabric by:
- Wrapping the tied fabric in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This keeps it moist while the dye sets.
- Letting it sit for 6-24 hours. Longer times allow the dye to fully absorb.
- Rinsing the fabric thoroughly in cold water until water runs clear.
- Unwrapping the plastic and rubber bands.
- Tossing the fabric in the washer on cold to further rinse out excess dye.
- Washing and drying the fabric as usual before wearing.
The colors may appear faded when first rinsed but will become more vibrant after washing. The spiral pattern will remain permanent in the fabric after dyeing.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when spiral tie dyeing for most vivid colors and patterns:
- Wear gloves to keep hands stain-free.
- Twist and tie fabric very tightly to create defined spirals.
- Apply dye generously for bright, saturated colors.
- Wrap in plastic for at least 6 hours, up to 24 hours.
- Rinse, wash and dry the fabric before using.
- Use cotton, rayon or other natural fabrics for best dye absorption.
- Wash dyed items separately the first few washes.
Troubleshooting
Some common issues and how to avoid them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pale, faint colors | More dye powder or liquid, saturate fabric fully |
| Messy dye bleeding | Tie fabric tighter, use salt in dye |
| White splotches | Apply dye more evenly and generously |
| Dye rubs off | Rinse and wash thoroughly after dyeing |
Spiral Tie Dye Designs
You can create different variations of the spiral pattern by changing how you tie and dye the fabric:
Two-Color Spiral
The basic technique with one color spiraling in from the outside, the other from the inside.
Rainbow Spiral
Use multiple colors in rainbow order spiraling from the outside in.
Concentric Circles
Tie rubber bands to create rings and apply different colors in each ring.
Stripes or Checkerboard
Gather fabric into strips or grid sections and dye each one differently.
Bullseye Spiral
A spiral twist on traditional bullseye tie dye with concentric circles of color.
Caring for Spiral Tie Dyed Fabrics
Follow these care instructions to keep your tie dyed creations looking vibrant:
- Wash in cold water, separately at first.
- Use mild detergent and avoid bleach.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low.
- Iron inside out on medium heat.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to prevent fading.
With proper care, the colors in your hand dyed fabrics will stay beautiful for many washes.
Creative Uses for Spiral Tie Dye
Here are some ideas for showing off your spiral tie dye pieces:
- T-shirts, tanks, dresses, skirts, shorts
- Scarves, bandanas, hats
- Beach coverups, wraps, kimonos
- Home decor like curtains, pillows, tapestries
- Towels, sheets, duvet covers
- Yoga mats, tote bags, backpacks
- Socks, underwear, pajamas
Tie dye looks great on many types of fabrics. Get creative with your wardrobe and home decor!
Conclusion
With some simple supplies, you can easily create mesmerizing spiral tie dye fabrics right at home. By tightly twisting, tying, and applying two colors of dye in opposite spirals, you can produce psychedelic patterns on clothing and textiles. It’s a fun DIY project that results in wearable art and unique home decor. Master the technique, experiment with colorful designs, and show off your handiwork in stylish new pieces.
