Reverse Tie-Dye - Style 1
Tie-Dye is definitely making a statement this Summer. Today I want to show you the first part of a tie-dye technique that I recently tried: Reverse Tie-Dye. Reverse Tie-Dye is a technique where you use bleach to remove the color to reveal the undertones of the color, and therefore create a uniquely custom effect.
Just like with traditional paint tie-dye, the effect is dependent on how you prepare the shirt. I experimented with two different tying techniques, and I will show you the other technique next week! For today, I created a shibori-style effect and I am so happy with how it turned out. The red undertones in the navy shirt surprised me, but I think it adds to the character.
The beautiful thing about reverse tie-dye or bleach tie-dye is you can use items you probably already have in your house like bleach, a squirt bottle, and rubber bands. The dying process is also very quick (anywhere from 1-30 minutes based on the look you are after) and will literally change before your eyes. I will mention though that you need to take extra precautions with bleach by protecting your work station and yourself with gloves and an apron, and working in a well-ventilated area.
So I hope you enjoy experimenting with reverse tie-dye. Remember, the beauty in reverse tie-dye is in the imperfections and so I hope you enjoy the process and have fun with it, because the end result may surprise you.
Please enjoy the step-by-step picture tutorial to make your own Reverse Tie-Dye T-Shirt!
*Some of this post contains affiliate links, which means a commission is earned if you purchase via my link at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for helping to support this blog. For more information, please see my disclosures here.
To make your own reverse tie-dye t-shirt, you will need:
Step 1: Accordion fold the shirt lengthwise.
Step 2: Wrap rubber bands about 6 inches apart from each other around the accordion folded shirt.
Step 3: Put on plastic gloves.
Step 4: Place a grid in your sink or outside. Then sit your folded shirt on top of the grid and carefully squirt the bleach solution over the rubber bands. Keep in mind the more bleach solution you apply the stronger and more apparent the reverse tie-dye effect will be. As a reference, I applied more bleach solution to the bottom of my shirt, and you can see the effect it has versus the top of the shirt.
Make sure to turn the shirt over and apply the bleach solution to both sides of the shirt.
*If you don’t have the grid the bleach solution will seep onto other parts of the shirt, and therefore bleaching it.
Step 5: Let the solution sit on the shirt for anywhere from 1 - 30 minutes until you reach the desired color. My solution only sat on my shirt for about 5 minutes before I washed it off, because I liked the red undertones that were showing through.
Step 6: Rinse out the bleach.
Step 7: Remove the rubber bands.
Step 8: Rinse the rest of the bleach out of the shirt.
Step 9: Wash separately on gentle cycle. Then hang to dry, or dry on gentle cycle.
Step 10: Enjoy your custom, reverse tie-dye t-shirt.
I believe crafting is more fun when we share our projects. Please email me at elizabeth@countrypeony.com, or please tag me @thecountrypeony or #countrypeony to show me your beautiful, custom creations!
Thank you so much for following along!
