First, prewash your fabrics with a laundry detergent to remove any dirt, oils or substance that might react to the dyes and create unwanted pale spots.
Choose an outdoor working area or protect your indoor area with trash bags or plastic tablecloths. Keep some rags or paper towels at hand just in case any spills occur.
Prepare your dye mixture according to the package instructions. Depending on the dye type, you will just have to add a certain amount of water to the bottle or mix the dye and water in a bucket and stir to dissolve it, then add a soda ash solution. If mixing in a dye bottle, shake well.
If necessary, pre-soak your garment.
Create the design by folding and tying your fabric
There are many ways of folding and tying the fabrics for tie-dye, from simple to very complex ones. The easiest way is to scrunch, fold or clamp the garment and secure with bands. You can also stitch a more intricate design with needle and thread.
Apply the dye. There is no standard application method. You can either dip the garment in the dye bucket, or apply the dye directly from a squeeze bottle, or with a sponge or with a paintbrush. Use how many colors you like and whatever painting pattern (circles, zig-zag, lines etc).
Let the dyes set. This is the hardest step, as you can only wait and think of your amazing tie-dyed garment. The dye needs time to react to the fabric, though. Keep the fabric warm and damp (the warmer the fabric, the quicker the reaction).
Put your dyed garment in a ziplock bag (or any plastic bag) or wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, sunny spot and let it sit for about 6 – 8 hours. You will get the brightest results after 24 hours.
You can also set it in the microwave if you don’t have the time to wait. Place your dyed garment into a heavy-duty, microwave-safe ziplock bag (freezer ones are great for this) and squeeze the air out. Seal it and microwave for 60 – 90 seconds in small increments (10 – 30 seconds). Watch it closely and stop the microwave immediately if the bag inflates with steam.
You want to heat it, but not actually dry any part of it, so the time for each garment type may vary. Let it cool, then follow the next steps to rinse it.
Rinse and wash. First, rinse under cold water with the rubber ties still on. Then, remove the bands as you rinse with lukewarm water. Rinse until the water runs clear.
After that, run your dyed fabric through a washing machine cold cycle with detergent.
For the first few times, it’s best to wash them separately, to allow the dyes to set and to wash out any residue. After that, you can safely wash them with your other clothes.