Mood Indigo Tie Dye Design

Tie dye techniques do not need to be limited to bright tees. Check out this indigo dye tutorial and learn how to make a classy bedspread.

Tie dye techniques do not need to be limited to bright, spiral tees for the summer. This time-honored crafting technique can easily be applied to plenty of projects. Dyeing fabrics is a great way to upcycle, recycle, and transform just about any fabric. Grab a bottle of the ever-popular indigo dye and get to creating a bedspread you can be proud of.
Unlike many other tie dye techniques, this how to tie dye tutorial is a bit more involved and much better suited for DIY crafts for adults. This tutorial focuses primarily on how to make a bedspread, but you could easily use this idea to make other DIY home décor ideas like curtains or a tapestry. Plus, if you have an old pillowcase or bed sheet to recycle, consider using this tie dye technique before using free sewing pattern to make a brand new dress or skirt.

Time to CompleteIn an evening

Intermediate

Project TypeLearn a Technique

Materials List

Tulip® One-Step Tie-Dye Kit® Turquoise (21548)
Plastic bags and cellophane
Rubber bands in various shapes and sizes
Marbles in various shapes and sizes
Gloves
Plastic drop cloth
Plain white duvet cover, King
Washing machine and dryer

Instructions

Prepare your work surface by laying out the plastic drop cloth. Sketch out a design that you love. I went for a random scattering along the diagonal of the duvet cover.
Shibori dying relies on fastening the fabric around a relief. One simple relief technique is to secure a marble on the backside of the fabric with a rubber band.
Hold the marble to the back of both layers of fabric, then wrap the rubber band around the top of the fabric as tightly as you can. To make sure the marble is held in place, give the fabric a good tug.
Everywhere that you want a diamond, tie in a marble.
Once you have tied all the marbles, get the fabric wet with water. Then, don your gloves, and fill the Tulip One-Step Dye with water up to the line. Shake the bottle vigorously until all the dye powder is dissolved. The prepared dye is best used in the next 45 minutes.
Now, just cover the duvet with dye. I emptied the first bottle down the center where my marbles were. Then I filled in the corners with the second bottle, and used the third bottle of dye for filling in the spots that I missed. To blend in all the drops of dye, massage the fabric by kneading it all over with your hands. I really got a workout with the heavy soaked duvet cover, but the dye became homogenous and took to the fabric beautifully.
Cover the duvet with plastic to keep it damp, leave it for 6-8 hours, then rinse it out as well as you can. Remove all the rubber bands and collect all the marbles before you throw it in the washer and dryer. Follow the Tulip One-Step Dye's easy instructions for washing and caring for the fabric in its early stages. Voila!

Why You'll Love This Recycled Craft

1. Personalize your space: Adding a mood indigo tie dye design to a bedspread or curtains instantly adds a unique touch to your home decor. Create a space that reflects your personality and style by crafting your own custom fabric designs.

2. Upcycle old fabrics: Instead of throwing out old pillowcases or bed sheets, breathe new life into them with this tie dye technique. By recycling and repurposing old fabrics, you can reduce waste and create something beautiful and functional at the same time.

3. Relaxing and meditative craft: Tie dyeing can be a calming and therapeutic activity, perfect for de-stressing after a long day. Dive into the creative process and enjoy the slow, deliberate movements of dyeing fabric. Plus, indigo dye has been known to have calming effects on the mind and body, making it the perfect craft for unwinding and finding your zen.

Let Us Know:

What other household items could use a tie dye upgrade?

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azulwaterz 6332709

May 24, 2016

SO funny! I laughed at the cat picture! I was hoping for instructions on dying the cat! Oh well, sheets are cool also. FaveCraftsTieDye

Mistress of All Ev il

Mar 11, 2016

I'm not going to lie. The cat is what brought me in. My tie dye skills aren't up to par quite yet, but I'm sure I'll return to this tutorial a bit later (read over the summer when I feel like the Tie Dye Queen).