{"id":3636,"date":"2021-05-18T10:00:17","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T15:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/?p=3636"},"modified":"2024-05-17T07:14:26","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T12:14:26","slug":"how-to-reverse-tie-dye-your-ultimate-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/how-to-reverse-tie-dye-your-ultimate-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reverse Tie Dye: Your Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"newPost\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3638\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-reverse-tie-dye-guide.jpg\" alt=\"how to reverse tie dye guide\" width=\"830\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-reverse-tie-dye-guide.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-reverse-tie-dye-guide-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/how-to-reverse-tie-dye-guide-768x463.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you have been spending way too much time cooped up at home because of COVID-19 and need a new hobby to pass the time, are searching for a fun weekend project to do with your kids or are trying to come up with a new product to sell in-store or online, there are plenty of options to choose from. Garment customization is one of the best, though. Learning various techniques for customizing garments allows you to make one-of-a-kind creations that are perfect to wear, give as gifts or even sell. It\u2019s a lot of fun, too!\u00a0<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking for a fun and vibrant way to customize blank apparel, reverse tie dye could be the way to go. Making <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/tie-dye\/adult\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tie dye shirts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of those craft projects that is appropriate for all ages and never goes out of style. If you have gotten tired of making the usual designs on white or light-colored shirts, though, learning how to reverse tie dye could be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and re-ignite your passion for this classic craft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best part?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doing reverse tie dye is just as easy as making a regular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/tie-dye\/adult\/\">tie dye shirt<\/a>. It just allows you to add bright colors to black shirts instead of only working on lighter garments. And like other types of tie dye, this technique can be used to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/t-shirts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">customize bulk wholesale t-shirts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/hats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decorate wholesale trucker hats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and more. Ready to get started? Let\u2019s go!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Reverse Tie Dye?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we get into the specifics, you need to understand what reverse tie dye is. Also known as bleach tie dye, it is the process of removing dye from sections of a dark-colored garment using bleach and then dyeing the bleached areas vibrant colors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tie dye is always in style to some degree, but it is having an especially big moment right now. By learning the art of reverse tie dye, you can create one-of-a-kind apparel that fits the style but is not the same as what everyone else is wearing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you already know how to tie dye, learning reverse tie dye is a breeze. The dyeing process remains mostly the same. The primary difference is the added step of bleaching the garment first. This step creates light spots where you can add your chosen dye colors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the entire process:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Gather Your Supplies<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To save yourself time and hassle, make sure you have everything you need before getting started. For this project, you will need:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3642\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/supplies-youll-need.jpg\" alt=\"supplies youll need\" width=\"830\" height=\"586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/supplies-youll-need.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/supplies-youll-need-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/supplies-youll-need-768x542.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain black shirts (T-shirts and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/sweatshirts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plain sweatshirts work great<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for beginners)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A tie dye kit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rubber bands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disposable gloves (At least two pairs per person working on the project)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shirts made from 100 percent cotton yield the best results. Cotton absorbs dye better than other fibers, so it is your best bet when you want to create a vibrant look. You can use regular household bleach in a squirt or spray bottle or bleach toilet bowl cleaner for your bleach. We recommend using toilet bowl cleaner for this project because it is usually thicker and easier to control than liquid bleach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do use liquid bleach, do not use it straight out of the bottle. Instead, mix up a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent bleach. Diluting the bleach makes it much less likely to damage the fabric.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rubber bands can be replaced by string, too. Keep in mind, though, that using string may change the finished appearance of your shirt. Rubber bands and non-absorbent string result in more defined lines than string made from absorbent materials. It primarily comes down to preference. Some people prefer working with rubber bands, while others prefer string. Feel free to experiment to determine which option you like best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since this project can be pretty messy \u2013 especially when working with kids \u2013 you may want to grab some supplies for protecting your table, countertop or floor, too. Alternatively, this is a great project to do outside on a nice day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background: #075f96; display: block; text-align: center; padding: 10px 20px; max-width: 400px; color: #fff; border: 2px solid #075f96; transition: 0.3s; margin: 20px auto; border-radius: 7px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/t-shirts\/\"><b>Shop Wholesale T-Shirts<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Prepare Your Shirt<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are making a regular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/tie-dye\/adult\/\">tie dye shirt<\/a>, it helps if the t-shirt is damp. With reverse tie dye, though, dry is better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3643\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/try-something-simple.jpg\" alt=\"try something simple\" width=\"830\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/try-something-simple.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/try-something-simple-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/try-something-simple-768x463.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decide what type of pattern you would like to create and fold, crinkle or swirl the fabric to create the desired pattern. While a simple swirl is one of the most classic tie dye designs, there are all sorts of different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scarymommy.com\/tie-dye-patterns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tie dye patterns to choose from<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you are new to tie dyeing in general, we recommended sticking with something simple. If you have some experience under your belt, though, feel free to try a more complex design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve folded the shirt into the appropriate shape, secure it with rubber bands. To keep things interesting, consider using several different sizes of rubber bands. Doing so slightly modifies the finished design and allows you to make your tie dye shirts even more unique.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Apply Bleach<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This step is where things start to get messy! If you have not already changed into old clothes and put on some gloves, now is the time to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move your shirt outside or to a well-ventilated area (because fumes are strong!). Be mindful that bleach is damaging to many surfaces, too. Choose a surface that is bleach-friendly, or cover the area completely to prevent damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carefully open the bleach and pour it on the prepared shirt. You might need to use your gloved hands to spread the bleach around to cover the entire shirt. The amount of bleach coverage you have determines how much space you\u2019ll have to dye later, so don\u2019t rush through this step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are finished, let the bleach sit so it can do its job. Fifteen to 20 minutes usually is plenty of time. Don\u2019t leave the bleach on the shirt for more than an hour as it could damage the fabric. Once it has an orangish appearance, you\u2019re good to go!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3639\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/letting-the-bleach-sit.jpg\" alt=\"letting the bleach sit\" width=\"830\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/letting-the-bleach-sit.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/letting-the-bleach-sit-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/letting-the-bleach-sit-768x463.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Rinse<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the shirt is bleached, remove the rubber bands and rinse thoroughly. We recommend that you do this by hand rather than using your washing machine, especially if using bleach toilet cleaner. The gel may not rinse away entirely in a wash cycle, and any that remains could damage your design. Rinsing in the bathtub or a large sink is the easiest and most effective method.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this point, you technically <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">call your project finished. If you want to add color to your design, though, keep reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Add Color<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After rinsing, wring the shirt out and let it dry slightly. It should be slightly damp but not soaking wet. If the shirt is too wet, the tie dye will spread much too quickly, and you may not be able to achieve your desired result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mix up the dye according to the package instructions. In most cases, you just need to add a specified amount of water and shake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lay the shirt out flat (on a protected surface or one you don\u2019t care about staining), and carefully apply dye to the bleached areas. Work slowly since the dye will spread, but be sure to use enough dye to ensure good saturation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take care to apply colors that blend well next to each other. If you use blue and red next to each other, they will form purple where they overlap. If you apply red and green next to each other, though, you will end up with an unpleasant brown. Now is a great time to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thepaintplaceny.com\/intro-color-theory-primary-secondary-tertiary-colors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brush up on primary, secondary and tertiary colors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have completely covered the front of the shirt, flip it over. Most of the bleached area on the backside should already be filled in. If there are blank spots, though, use your dye to fill them in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Let the Dye Set<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are finished applying the dye to both sides of the shirt, carefully place it in a plastic bag. A regular bag from the grocery store works fine, or you can use a trash bag. If you are dyeing multiple shirts at once, place each in its own bag.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set the bag aside (in a warm area, if possible) for a minimum of six hours. Check the instructions on your tie dye kit, though, as there may be some variation. In general, the longer you let the dye set, the more vibrant the results will be. When you want to make a shirt that is the brightest of bright, consider letting it sit overnight (or longer).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Rinse Out the Dye<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the dye has had plenty of time to set, it is time to rinse. Carefully rinse your shirt using cold water. Again, it is essential to do this in an area that the dye will not damage. You may want to consider bleaching your bathtub or sink immediately after rinsing to prevent stains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinse until the water runs clear and then rinse a bit more just to be safe. Then, throw the shirt (or shirts) in your washing machine and launder as usual. Use cool water and a mild detergent to prevent fading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background: #075f96; display: block; text-align: center; padding: 10px 20px; max-width: 400px; color: #fff; border: 2px solid #075f96; transition: 0.3s; margin: 20px auto; border-radius: 7px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/how-to-properly-wash-tie-dyed-shirts-to-make-them-last\/\"><b>Learn How to Wash Tie Dye Shirts<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After washing and drying your new shirt, it is ready for wear! Take some time to admire your handiwork and then get ready to take it to the next level!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/man-wearing-tie-dyed-sweatshirt.jpg\" alt=\"man wearing sunglasses and hoodie\" width=\"830\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/man-wearing-tie-dyed-sweatshirt.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/man-wearing-tie-dyed-sweatshirt-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/man-wearing-tie-dyed-sweatshirt-768x455.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Using Reverse Tie Dye to Customize Other Garments and Accessories<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While blank t-shirts and sweatshirts are the most popular options for tie-dyed creations, they are certainly not the only things you can customize using the reverse tie dye technique. This method works on nearly anything that is black and made of natural fibers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have mastered the art of reverse tie dyeing shirts, try your hand at customizing other black garments, like sweatpants, tank tops or even underwear. Just make sure that, for the best results, you choose apparel that is made entirely or mainly from cotton.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Synthetic fabrics and those made from blends of natural and synthetic fibers can be dyed, but the results usually are not as vibrant. You may need to use a special dye or color enhancer to achieve rich results on polyester and other human-made materials. Learn more about the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/14\/best-fabrics-for-tie-dye\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best and worst fabrics for tie dye on our blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also reverse tie dye things like hats and socks or even household textiles like tapestries, sheets, duvet covers, curtains and towels. This process is highly versatile, and it is a lot of fun seeing how it works on different substrates. Feel free to experiment and create products to wear, display, give as gifts or sell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pair-wearing-reverse-tie-dyed-shirts.jpg\" alt=\"pair wearing reverse tie dyed shirts\" width=\"830\" height=\"508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pair-wearing-reverse-tie-dyed-shirts.jpg 830w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pair-wearing-reverse-tie-dyed-shirts-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pair-wearing-reverse-tie-dyed-shirts-768x470.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are thinking about starting a business, making new clothes for your wardrobe or searching for a fun project to do with your kids, making reverse tie dye shirts is a great option. This project is easy to learn, and because no two pieces ever turn out exactly alike, the possibilities are endless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At The Adair Group, we have black t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and more that are perfect for reverse tie dye. And whether you are looking to buy several hundred garments or just a few, we have options to meet your needs (as well as your budget). Browse our full selection today to find the blank apparel you need for your next project!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Image Credits<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Svetlana Cherkasova\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be-bright\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dzha33\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ND700\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quang Ho\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VLADIMIR VK\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PHOTO FUN\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artist Photographer 3D\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muhammad Rendra\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">jazzmxx\/shutterstock.com<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<style>.newPost p, .newPost, .newPost span, .newPost p span {font-size:16px !important;line-height:28px !important;} .newPost h2, .newPost h2 b {font-size:25px !important;line-height:30px !important;}article.post {background:#fff !important;} .newPost img {border:none !important;max-width:100%;}.aligncenter  {display:block;margin:0 auto;}<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whether you have been spending way too much time cooped up at home because of COVID-19 and need a new hobby to pass the time, are searching for a fun weekend project to do with your kids or are trying to come up with a new product to sell in-store or online, there are plenty [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21,22],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3636"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3636"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4482,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3636\/revisions\/4482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theadairgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}