Tie dyed clothing seems to be popping up everywhere you look. From soccer uniforms to socks, it has become a popular and constructive way to express your creativity.

Additionally, more kids are hosting tie-dye parties with their friends to take part in this phenomenon. However, because of the permanent and messy quality of tie-dye, it can be a disaster if the proper precautions aren’t taken. But when done properly, everyone can participate in an exciting and fun activity and take home a new and colorful piece of tie-dyed clothing.

The following is a checklist of
necessary items to host a clean and fun
tie-dye party:
• Plain T-shirts (can also use boxers, socks, etc, etc)
• Rubber bands
• Dye
• Plastic Squirt Bottles
• Plastic Table Cloth (preferably disposable)
• Buckets
• Plastic Disposable Cups with Lids

The best place to find plain t-shirts is your local department store. They carry sizes for all ages and offer several brands to choose from. It might be a good idea to take an inventory of sizes that you will need prior to shopping; that way you only have to make one trip. While you’re here, pick up a bag of rubber bands as well; you’ll need these to bind-up the shirts. The design of the shirt will be determined by the method that you fold and tie-up the shirt with the rubber bands. An excellent resource for tie-dye designs can be found at tie-dyes.com. This website will help you create the design that you want.

There are several brands of dye that can be found around town. However, one of the better brands is ‘Rit’ and it can be found in an assortment of various colors at your local craft store. Pick up as at least four different colors of dye.

The bane of many a tie-dye party (and loads of laundry) has been the application process of the dye. The best method seems to be squirting the dye onto the shirt with narrow-tipped plastic bottles. The best place to find these inexpensive plastic bottles is at a beauty supply store. Some department stores may carry them, but your best bet is the beauty supply store. To use these, pour a little of the dye into each bottle (a different color for each bottle) and fill it up with warm water.

Next, another precautionary step is to use an old plastic tablecloth or tarp that can be laid over the kids’ laps. Have the kids kneel down on the ground and pull the tablecloth/tarp over their laps; this will prevent any of the dye from dripping onto their clothes.

Finally, another step to keep things fun and exciting is to use buckets to contain all the dye that is not absorbed by the shirt. First dunk the shirt in warm water, and then place it in a bucket. The child can then apply the dyes to the shirt via the squirt bottles to all her heart’s content. The bucket will contain any dye that doesn’t absorb into the shirt while maintaining a clean work area.

When you’re all finished, put the shirt in a plastic disposable cup with a lid and send it home with the kids. The cup will prevent the shirt from dripping any of the dye while it is still wet.

One more necessary instruction to ensure a clean conclusion to your party is to send the washing instructions home with everyone. Suggested instructions are as follows:

1. Take the shirt out of the cup and let it AIR DRY COMPLETELY BEFORE STEP TWO.
2. Throw the shirt in the dryer by itself and let it whirl around for 20 minutes
3. Rinse the shirt in cold water and wring it out several times
4. Air dry the shirt again
5. Throw it back in the dryer until it has dried thoroughly
6. For the next few times, continue to wash the shirt separately from the rest of the laundry

If you follow these instructions, there should be no reason you can’t take part in the tie dye craze. However, if you want to take part but it all seems like too much work, why not have someone else host the party! Ben & Jerry’s ice cream scoop shops offer a great party package that incorporates tie-dying t-shirts into its activities. Everyone comes away with a creative and fun experience and the adults get to leave the cleaning-up to someone else. Give ‘em a call for your next birthday party, scout meeting, or any other event. Their Minneapolis location is located at
3070 Excelsior Blvd – 612-927-9900 and their St Paul location is at
976 Grand Avenue – 651-292-1770.

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