This week, I wanted to show you an easy and fun surface design technique -- dyeing with a resist!
First off, a definition: a 'resist' is anything that keeps dye off a given part of your fabric. Resists can take many forms -- the rubber bands in tie dye, for example, or even fabric crumpled against itself -- but today I'm using plain ordinary white school glue. It's easy to make fun patterns with it, and it washes out once you're done dyeing the fabric.
So, grab a tee shirt, some dye, and a bottle of white glue!
Protect the back of your shirt by slipping a piece of scrap cardboard between the front and back. Then, start 'drawing' with the glue. It works best with bold, thick-lined designs. Set the shirt in a safe place to dry overnight.
Once your glue is dry, make up the dyebath following the directions on the dye package. Drop the shirt in. Stir for even color -- or, if you're feeling brave, leave a few wrinkles in the shirt and see what happens...
Once you are happy with the color (and keep in mind, it always dries lighter than you think it should) dump out the dyebath and start rinsing.
Follow the directions on the dye package -- and don't rush through this step! All those extra dye molecules can come out either now, in the sink, or later (on dolls and hands and in the laundry...)
During the final stages of the rinse, add a little laundry detergent and give it a hand-wash. All the glue should have washed out by now.
Roll the shirt up in a towel to soak up the excess water, then throw it in the dryer on high for about 30 minutes. This is called "heat setting" and is another way to help ensure the dye molecules stay where you want them. :)
All done! Congratulations!
For Pixie Faire,
Melinda
100 Comments
Lezlie
September 07, 2017
In the past when I dyed adult clothing, I used my washing machine for the SOAK dye. Then spun out dye water, rinsed alot & added few drops of vinegar to help SET color. Vinegar helps clean wash tub also.
Priscilla
July 10, 2015
I have never dyed anything but my granddaughter has and loves doing it!! She does a really great job!
Thresea Wright
July 10, 2015
It’s been a very long time since I have tried to dye anything.
Ginnie
July 10, 2015
I ordered and paid for patterns quite awhile ago and expected them to be sent to me—I now wonder if i should have downloaded them at the time. Do you happen to have a record of that purchase? If so, can you please telll me how to access and download the patterns. I seem to be having problem downloading the cami pattern also, which is the free one for 7/9/15. When I try, I get a page telling me I have 629 points to redeem. I shouldn’t need to use points for a free product, even though it is cute!! The glue dying idea looks easy and the result is darling. I can’t wait to try it with my grandgirl.
Cathrine
June 29, 2014
I love it ! I wish I could make it for Molly but I have never dyed fabric before because (very unfortunately)
Carlena
June 11, 2014
What a great way to reuse fabric from my husbands MANY t-shirts he no longer wears. I can dye them to match any outfit I make. Awesome!!! I would like to add that after the final steps and when washing out the glue, if you add salt or vinegar it will also help set the dye. My grandmother taught me that trip when washing new jeans.
Carlena
June 11, 2014
What a great way to reuse fabric from my husbands MANY t-shirts he no longer wears. I can dye them to match any outfit I make. Awesome!!! I would like to add that after the final steps and when washing out the glue, if you add salt or vinegar it will also help set the dye. My grandmother taught me that trip when washing new jeans.
Debbie KW
June 04, 2014
I have never dyed before because I am scared I will make a mess. But I definitely would like to try!
Darlene
June 03, 2014
I did tye dying as a teenager and had fun. Love to win clothing made by Liberty Jane. Thank you for the inspirations and help to accomplish it.
Sue LaRose
June 02, 2014
Looks cute but like others said I be afraid of the mess!
MICHELLE
June 01, 2014
I havent dyed shirts in years since my girls were in girl scouts. guess it is time to try again!
Diane
June 01, 2014
I love to dye fabric because you can create different effects and colors that you wouldn’t usually see. I will definitely try the glue resist method. Thank you for the great tutorial and idea.
Nancyb
June 01, 2014
This is way cool. I think I may make a few tee’s and dye them using this method. At last, a good use for worthless school glue! I’ve never tried to dye anything before because it’s a bit messy when you are talking people sized clothes. Thank you for a great tut.
Carlee
June 01, 2014
This idea is so cool that I went out and bought some glue and as soon as I sew up some shirts I am going to try this project. And wouldn’t some hot fix crystals be a nice touch to glam it up a bit. I do have a question, “Did the Velcro closure change color at all?” Thanks for the great tutorial.
SusanP
June 01, 2014
I love dyeing fabric and have done tie dying with my kids. I’ve wanted to teach them batik methods but didn’t want to fuss with the beeswax, this will definitely be a more kid friendly way to do it, thanks for the idea!
Connie
May 31, 2014
I love crafting, I’ll try anything once. This is such a cute idea, now I’ll know how to dye my AG t-shirts that I’m making for our grand-daughter. Thank-you!
sierra
May 31, 2014
“I’VE NEVER DYED FABRIC BEFORE BECAUSE.. IT IS 2 MESSY.
Fran
May 31, 2014
I never tried dye before because I am afraid I will get it everywhere! Lol
Linda C.
May 31, 2014
I love the idea of dying fabric because it can give new life to a garment and/or totally change its look. I plan to try this during my youth sewing workshope this summer!
Lesley from NE
May 31, 2014
I have only dyed a couple of things and really, I only assisted my daughter in tie-dying for scouts. Her leader takes care of the rinsing and setting of the shirts. =) Would love to win the shirt, it is really cute.
Marlene Lohman
May 31, 2014
I love dying fabric. many summers the grandkids and i would dye up a batch of tees with assorted results, but always a good time. At this time, all the kids are more creative with it than I.
Sherrill
May 31, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric becuz of the mess. However, I’ve always wanted to becuz the end results are soooooooo cool looking!
ella
May 31, 2014
Wow wonderful I was just thinking about doing this with a tshirt to go with the jeans I just finished sewing Thanks now I don’t have to find a resist to use. I love dying fabric!!! Keep up the great tuts.
Janice Hamman
May 31, 2014
I don’t love to dye because of the clean up, but I do it anyway sometimes. I tie dyed some T-shirts back in the 70’s, I think, for my son and myself. This method looks really interesting. I want to try it.
Kathy Osterby
May 31, 2014
I’ve never tried to dye anything but with your tutorial I’m going to give it a try! Thanks.
Suzanne
May 31, 2014
This is so timely for me… I am just getting interested in combining machine embroidery with inks/paints/dye! It would make wonderful backgrounds for many emb. designs and certainly make the design more interesting and increase the size of the look of the design. To me the technique also helps some items to look professional. Thank you.
Nelda
May 31, 2014
Many years ago I would empty a package of black dye into my washing machine and then add my teen age son’s black jeans after they had faded out. After a spin in the dye they were like new.
Jo Lyman
May 31, 2014
The one time I tried to dye an item, I was unhappy with the results, and the mess, so crossed it off my list of refurbishing something with dye. Would this work the opposite with Elmers Glue and bleach?
Marti
May 31, 2014
I love to dye fabric because it’s fun to experiment with different fabrics and colors and see what results. I would never have thought of Elmer’s glue and am anxious to try that method.
Barb
May 31, 2014
I have never dyed before but have thought about it. This looks like an easy to give it a try.
Squid
May 31, 2014
I LOVE TO DYE FABRIC BECAUSE it always looks great! the dying is beautiful and gives a gorgeous effect! but it is quite costly and stains stuff…
Sandra
May 31, 2014
I love to dye! The secret is hot, hot water , 100% cotton fabric and extra soaking time. I had one fairly boring and indestructible white terry robe that has ‘dyed’ a lot….. pink to fuchsia… next step? Purple!
sheila
May 31, 2014
I love to dye fabric as you never know what you`ll get till it dry,a surprise party for fabriaholics !!
lori
May 31, 2014
I’ve never dyed before because I thought it would be too complicated!
Marge R (mer)
May 31, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I fear the mess and that I may wish I’d not wasted the money if I’m unhappy with the outcome! Maybe you’ll encourage me to take a chance?!!!
Liz
May 30, 2014
Other than tie dye in summer camp as a kid, I’VE NEVER DYED FABRIC BEFORE BECAUSE…I don’t want to work at the cleanup afterward, the sink, etc. just for one item.
Rachel
May 30, 2014
I have tried fabric dying before (just solid colors), this looks like it can be a lot of fun. Can’t wait to try.
Awesome idea! Thank you
Pat
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because it seems like a lot to do for one item. Might do it for several items but you don’t usually need several the same color. Just haven’t done it. Would love to have the beautiful shirt.
Marina
May 30, 2014
Я никогда не пробовала окрашивать ткани, но теперь очень хочется сделать это. Большое спасибо за учебники!
Mary Kittle
May 30, 2014
I’m dying to dye, I’ll give it a try, It’s all new to me, I’ll try it on a tee! Thanks for the tutorial.
Stephanie Mitchell-Madden
May 30, 2014
I have tried dyeing fabric, but the colors always turned out too faded or muddy looking, so I have not wanted to waste time and money trying again. This idea makes me think about maybe giving it another shot. Maybe.
Judy
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I always figured I would get the same results I get when colors fade in my washing machine
Barbara
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric because it always looked waaaay too messy, although I am tempted by this idea . . . hmmmmmmm . . . .
Melinda Cieslinski
May 30, 2014
I love dying fabric because it then becomes a one of a kind item that you won’t find at any mall!!! Wonderful tutorial – thanks ever so much ;)
Denise
May 30, 2014
I love to dying fabric because you really know what you will end up with. I 1st tried dying with my grandchildren at cousin camp. We had so much fun doing tee shirts for them but then we decided to get some matiral and make matching shirts for their dolls. I think I had as much fun as they did.
Denise
May 30, 2014
I love to dying fabric because you really know what you will end up with. I 1st tried dying with my grandchildren at cousin camp. We had so much fun doing tee shirts for them but then we decided to get some matiral and make matching shirts for their dolls. I think I had as much fun as they did.
Valerie
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because well #1 I’ve never had anything to dye! And also I guess I’ve never really thought of dying anything, but this idea is super cute!
Sonja
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I’m afraid it would dye everything except what I wanted it to.
Sophia
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric. It gives me the opportunity to make something totally unique.
Renee
May 30, 2014
I’ve retired and now can focus on FUN!!! I don’t have children but am making doll clothes for dolls that are being given to girls whose families have been impacted by disaster. Your instructions are very clear. Thank you!
Trish S.
May 30, 2014
I LOVE dying fabric because it’s fun and sometimes the only way to get the exact color you want. One time I had chartreuse green couch covers. They were hideous! But with some creative dying, they came out rust and gorgeous!! Love it. Thanks for the great craft idea!!
Cynthia
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed before because I never had a good setup. Who knows maybe someday.
Joan
May 30, 2014
this would be great fun with tie dying too!!! Thanks for the tutorial!
Bev B.
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed anything before because I wasn’t sure I’d get the results I wanted. Your tutorial makes it seem so easy and the step by step instructions are very clear. Thank you for the tutorials and for the freebies! I look forward to Fridays now.
Erin
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because of the way it metamorphoses and changes once the dye is added, into something completely new, different, and a lot of times something a lot more bright and colorful.
Cynthia
May 30, 2014
I never have dyed before because I really do not have a good setup. I would love to try. Who knows maybe one day.
Donna Blythe
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because ine never had a reason to do it, until now!
Ashley A
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I get a little too into my work. It usually takes a week for Easter egg dye to wear off of my fingers; I can only imagine how long it would take Rit dye to wear off! :)
Jeri
May 30, 2014
Another Fabulous PF idea!
I’ve never dyed fabric before because, well…when colors mix you get an ugly brown and that’s about my ability. My Easter egg days were a challenge and school memories of glue are questionable, kids will be kids. I guess this is my time to re-write these chapters. Yeah Baby!
Jody
May 30, 2014
I’VE NEVER DYED FABRIC BEFORE BECAUSE I am terrified of how it will turn out and what I would ruin in the process.
Sharron
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric as I was told it leaves residue on the sink that you can’t get off. would love to win this for my granddaughter Isobel who just got her AG Isabelle doll for passing kindergarten into grade one from her parents. grandma is making clothes for the doll.
Margaret Haffner
May 30, 2014
I haven’t tried dying because of fear of the mess, and fear of the results!
LISA
May 30, 2014
I love dye because i can create my own colors
Susan
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I have just been plain afraid of the mess I would make! I don’t think I had the confidence that it would turned out well. I love this shirt and may give it a try! Thanks for sharing this method!
Carla
May 30, 2014
Great tutorial? Simple and easy to obtain materials. Great way to be creative!
Ann Burkle
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because you can get exactly the color you want
Claudia Raab
May 30, 2014
What a great technique! I did some tye-dying many years ago with a friend who was an artisti, but have never tried dying fabric on my own. I have been exploring ways to make doll tees more interesting but was uncertain how to go about it. For the less artistic amongst us, which definitely includes me, this is a winner. Thank you, thank you for sharing this technique.
Katniss
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I have never found a simple and easy way to do it! I am SUPER excited you made this tutorial I am SO going to do this!!! I luv luv luv it!!!
Katniss
May 30, 2014
OMG I am going to try this, it looks gr8!!! I LOVE IT!
Rachel K.
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because, well, actually, that isn’t quite true. I have dyed a shirt and a sweater before, but I didn’t do it by myself. My grandma walked me through it. So really, I should say I’ve never dyed fabric by myself before because I wasn’t sure how. Plus, dye isn’t something we normally have on hand. But I really want to make myself and my dolls some tie-dye shirts. :D
Lori Jorgenson
May 30, 2014
I have done tea dying but never used Elmer’s glue. I will have to try it.
Lori
May 30, 2014
OOh! I would love to try this so dye goes on the shopping list!
Barbie
May 30, 2014
I did some batik dying with hot wax in the 70’s. Not much since then but I love the resist with elmers. Very clever. Thanks for the tutorials and the freebies as well. Love them.
Sharon Thomas
May 30, 2014
I tried dyeing a dress several years ago. I ended up ruining the dress and have afraid to try again.
Marnie
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because it’s a great way to recycle clothes that otherwise have no life.
Peggy Carlson
May 30, 2014
Can’t wait to try! Would feel blessed 2 win one! Keep the tutorials coming, sharing with my grand daughters!
Sophie T
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric because I’m afraid of all the mess I’ll make! But those crafts with dye look like so much fun! And I love you T… I might give it a try with the girls this summer… if I dare…
Deb
May 30, 2014
I’ve not dyed before because it seems so messy, but this tutorial has me wanting to…
Susan
May 30, 2014
I have dyed before and the package produced a steel gray instead of a black. I made the doll and matching bubble skirt on all cotton denim. Needless to say I was so disappointed- the store gave me my money back on the dye I used and my returned dye. So this looks just really neat. You are accurate in your statement about dye. The only way to insure better color is buying professional products from a dye source.
Shawna Chatten
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before cause I thought it was a long complicated process…..and it doesn’t have to be apparently! So excited to try this now!!
Linda
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because I can have something unique as well as beautiful!
Sheila
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before for fear of my family spiriting me away to “Blue Man Group” and leaving me there til I fade back to normal! This, however, is something I have the courage to try! Thanks for the great tip!
Laini
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because the colors that you get in the end always surprise you.
Sarah
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric to cover up stains on light colored clothing and give them new life! I’ll definitely try this resist method – thank you!!
Molly W.
May 30, 2014
I’VE NEVER DYED FABRIC BEFORE BECAUSE…
I can’t pick which color(s) of rit dye to buy. :}
Thanks for this tutorial!
Lori Morton
May 30, 2014
I have done Tie-Dye before…and looong time ago now, since I have dyed fabrics. Would be great to win…I admit to bein’ klutzy….and messy! lol
Myra
May 30, 2014
We tie dyed shirt once a few years ago, and it was a lot of fun. I just haven’t thought to dye anything any other way, so this is a really fun idea!
Dawn
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because when you tie dye an item, there are so many different patterns and designs to make and create.
Joanne O.
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I thought it was too messy. But after reading this tutorial I think I’ll try it. Using the Elmer Glue is an easy method to create a design….for doll clothes, big girl clothes and crafts.
connie
May 30, 2014
I have never dyed fabric before because I was always worried about the mess. I am inspired to try this project with my three grandgirls ages 10-7-5. Seems like a good project to do over their summer break. Thanks for the idea and all the others you put out there.
Kelly
May 30, 2014
I love to dye fabric because it creates a completely unique finished product. I especially love dying over the top of batiks, Kona cotton fabrics, or old garments where I’m hoping for a fresh new look. My favorite application is on fabrics that I then cut up for miniature quilt squares. Rather than using commercial dyes, I prefer experimenting with teas, herbal infusions, and vegetable or fruit dyes. For instance, to create a subtle variegated tan dyed effect, I might use boiled onion leaves, allow them to cool in the pot with the dyed water, then slip the fabric into the cooled dye bath on top of the layers of onion leaves. This process requires leaving the fabric in the dye bath a lot longer than for commercial dyes, but the results are much more unique. After setting the color in a hot dryer, I then soak the fabric in a vinegar bath, then wash it one more time for a deeper set of the dye. I can’t wait to try this Elmer’s glue technique. It looks very interesting. Thanks Cinnamon! Your tips are always fun and inventive. I love all of your websites. They inspire be to create and expand my own ideas in new directions.
Nancy
May 30, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I was afraid I would ruin whatever I dyed. This is a stinkin’ cute t-shirt and I think I will try to make one. Thanks for sharing so many cute ideas!
Marilyn
May 29, 2014
I’ve never tried to dye fabric. I will try it now. Was scared before. Thanks for your tutorials.
Laura
May 29, 2014
I’ve never dyed fabric before because I’m affraid to ruin clothes.
Dana Bracldy
May 29, 2014
This is so cute it is a great idea with the Elmer’s glue!
Nancy
May 29, 2014
I’ve never dyed knit fabric before. This tutorial is giving me the incentive to try it! And the resist technique looks quite easy. Thanks!
Jessica
May 29, 2014
I love to dye fabric! In fact one of my favorite hobbies is batik but I have to say I’ve never tried it with glue. I would use beeswax. This is a much simpler and easier idea! Thanks so much for the great craft idea!
Susan Toloczko
May 29, 2014
“I’ve never dyed fabric before because I’m afraid of the mess it would make and it seems like a lot of work for one item.
Angel
May 29, 2014
I’ve never used dyed fabric because my mum hates smell of it and she claims that she would rather die than see the mess I’ll make in the sink. She can tell I’m missing out though, so she wants me to try it out when I go to Africa this year. I can do it in our yard there.
Emily
May 28, 2014
I love the idea of dying fabric. I have tried a few times with my kiddos to make 4th of July shirts but they always fade :( Thank you for the tutorial if I don’t win I suppose the girls and I will have to try again :) I really love your site!
Lezlie
September 07, 2017
In the past when I dyed adult clothing, I used my washing machine for the SOAK dye. Then spun out dye water, rinsed alot & added few drops of vinegar to help SET color. Vinegar helps clean wash tub also.