Tie-dying shirts is an inexpensive way to turn a plain T-shirt or other item of clothing into a colorful work of art. You can also turn a colored piece of clothing into a multi-hued item with bleach or a cleaning product that includes bleach as an ingredient. Alternatively, lighten the color of the fabric by bleaching it in the washing machine. Bleaching will fade the color of the clothing unevenly, causing spots and color variations in the fabric. This gives the clothing a vintage, worn look.
Tie-Dying with Bleach
- Rubber bands can create rings when fabric is dyed, but they also can preserve areas of color when the fabric is bleached. Wrap rubber bands around the item or around sections of the item to make a ring effect. Then, spray the shirt with a household cleaner that contains bleach, such as a tile and bathroom cleaner. Allow the fabric to sit for 30 minutes. Unwrap the rubber bands and wash the fabric by itself. The fabric will have rings and stripes of color, with larger, faded sections where the bleach removed the color.
Bleaching
- If you want the fabric to have an all-over faded look, wash the fabric in the washing machine all by itself, using hot water, and pour in a cap-full of laundry bleach according to your machine's instructions for adding bleach. You can add the bleach directly to the filling machine if you add it and let it mix before adding the fabric. Hot water helps the bleach work more effectively. Unless the fabric is colorfast, it will fade. The result is typically an faded look with darker areas along the seam, and areas of darker and lighter color.
Splatter Bleaching
- To give the fabric an uneven, spotty appearance, spread the fabric on a surface that will not be damaged by bleach, such as a bathtub or a cement floor. Then, pour laundry bleach into a cup. Use a spoon to splatter bleach over the entire piece of fabric. Turn over the fabric and repeat the process on the other side, if you are bleaching a piece of clothing. Allow the bleach to soak into the fabric for 30 minutes, and then wash the fabric by itself. It should end up with a mottled, spotted look.
Precautions
- Always wear rubber gloves when handling bleach or harsh household chemicals that contain bleach. Bleach can irritate your skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after you are finished handling the fabric to prevent getting the bleach into your eyes or mouth. Do not allow the bleach to work on the fabric for more than 30 minutes, or it may eat away the stitching in the fabric. Additionally, don't attempt to bleach delicate fabrics like silk or linen. You will ruin the fabric.
