Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag

Simple styles of fabric bags offer the perfect canvas for adding embellishments and surface design, and today I’m showing you one of my favorite ways to create color and visual texture on fabric using a circular tie-dyeing technique and a pre-made fabric bag!
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag

Supplies

 

Instructions

Read the instructions that are included with your fabric dyes. For example, the instructions may tell you to pre-wash the fabric. This is to remove any sizing or other surface treatments on the fabric which may prevent the dye from penetrating the fibers easily. If using pfd (prepared for dye) fabric, you won’t need to do this as this type of fabric is already free of surface treatments and is ready to dye.
Make a Super Simple Tote Bag using white cotton fabric. You can find instructions to make the bag here.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Place the bag on a flat surface and pinch the center to gather the fabric.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Holding the pinched end in one hand, use the other hand to gather the rest of the fabric and fold it into a sausage shape. Using twine or thick crochet cotton, tie a secure knot approximately 1/2″ from the pointed end.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Tightly wrap the twine around the fabric in a spiral – wrap the twine tightly two or three times, leave approximately a 1″ gap, then wrap the twin again tightly two or three times. Arrange the fabric so that the gathers aren’t twisted too much. Where the twine is wrapped and where the gathers fold will leave white areas on the fabric after dyeing. For more white, wrap tight. For less white, wrap slightly loose. Tip: You could also use rubber bands instead of twine.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Wrap all the way to the end of the handles and tie off. Now the tote bag is ready to dye.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Soak the wrapped fabric bag in some warm water. This will help to open the fibers and allow the dye to penetrate better. Place in a plastic container. Work in the sink or a plastic covered bench and wear rubber or plastic gloves to protect your hands.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Make sure to read the instructions for any special steps needed for your particular dye. Using a squirt bottle or a tablespoon, drip the dye onto the fabric. On this bag I’m using multiple colors – I mixed red and blue to make purple which is the main color, then I also dripped a little extra red and blue on different sections of the bag.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Once the fabric is covered in dye, leave it so the dye has time to batch; usually at least a couple of hours, or as recommended in your dye instructions.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
At this point you can squish the fabric a little so that more dye penetrates to the center. But remember – the more you squish, the less white will show. If you like a lot of white, don’t squish.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
After the dye has batched, place the fabric bag in a tub of water and unwind the twine. This is where the magic happens and you get to see the fabulous design you created. Rinse the fabric until the water runs clear and then hang it out to dry.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
Ta Da! I love these colors!
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
This tie-dye design also looks great in single colors.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
During dyeing, I squished this one a lot so that there isn’t much white showing but the design still looks great.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
I didn’t squish this green bag at all and after I rinsed it, there was a little too much white showing.
Simple Tie-Dye Technique for the Super Simple Tote Bag
So I wrapped it again and redyed it using yellow which helped to cover some of the white and now it looks much better.
Simple Dyeing Techniques for the Super Simple Tote Bag
I hope this inspires you to try a little fabric dyeing for yourself! It’s so easy and fun and very creative.