T-shirts like this fashionable graphic heart tee are perfect tops to wear. To wear outside in summer. Or inside, as a PJ, in winter. Easy to make too. In fact, this t-shirt was a 5 minute DIY.

If you ever tie dyed a -T shirt before, this last statement might raise your eyebrows. It is however true.The secret is to use a product called Tumble Dye.

Is the prime quality of this dye is that is leaves your dyed t-shirt nice and soft after dying (i.e. not stiff, unlike other dyes) ??? Or is the fact that it is non-toxic and environmentally safe? Or that it makes no mess and takes just minutes to create?

I guess all of the above.

This easy and permanent tie-dye can be used on fabrics, ribbon, lace, trims, silks, dried flowers, baskets, wood, paper and other surfaces. Because it is a pre-mixed tie-dye, it eliminates the need of rubber gloves, salts and tubs of hot water. No mixing involved. You don't need buckets. Instead, you create your tie-dye design by spraying, dipping, or painting.

How to choose the colors for your Tie Dye T-shirt

If you mix colors or dilute with water, you will get even more color options. Although there are several other sets of colors beyond the one I am showing you here. Click the link above and you will see them all.

How to make the heart for your tie dye T-shirt

How does it work? For a graphic dye heart t-shirt as shown here, make a heart-shaped stencil and place it on top of your shirt. (In contrast, for a typical tie-dye shirt, you tie up your shirts, before you add the dye and let it dry. Tip: for best dye-results, let it dry COMPLETELY before removing the rubber bands.) ... sorry, that's a bit of an aside... we're not doing tie-dying here...

The next step in our project here is important: for this dye to work, it needs heat. After your tie dyed t-shirt is dry, simply heat set in a dryer for 20 minutes or iron with a hot iron.

What are you going to make?

Photo Credit (Dyed t-Shirt): We are thanking this wonderful idea to Ashley from SugarAndCloth.com/2012/07/diy-graphic-heart-tee.

First published on February 11, 2012 11:02 am. Updated 2024.