This project gives a detailed explanation of how to make a tie-dye hoodie by hand.

Supplies

100% Cotton Hoodie
Gloves
Plastic Bin
Soda Ash
Measuring Cup
Fiber-Reactive Dye
Plastic Dispenser Bottles
Measuring Spoons
Funnel
Marker
Plastic Table Cloth
Rubber Bands
Wet Rag
Plastic Bag
Laundry Detergent

Step 1: Make Soda Ash Solution

In a large plastic tub, mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of soda ash and stir until dissolved to create the soda ash solution. Make sure to wear gloves while working with soda ash.

Step 2: Soak Clothing

After mixing the soda ash solution together, put the hoodie in the solution and push all the way down to ensure it is fully submerged. Allow the hoodie to soak in the solution for 20 minutes. This helps to prep the fabric to absorb the dye.

Step 3: Mix Colors

While the hoodie is soaking, mix the fiber-reactive dye with water in the plastic dispenser bottles. The dye to water ratio should be about 1 teaspoon of dye to 8 ounces of water. Keep in mind, the colors can be made as light or dark as you want them by simply manipulating the dye to water ratio. Make sure to mark each bottle with the name of the colors, as some colors look very similar in the bottles.

Step 4: Remove Clothing From Soda Ash

After 20 minutes have passed, remove the hoodie from the soda ash solution. Be sure to wring out all excess solution a few times until the hoodie is just barely damp. Lay the hoodie out on a flat surface covered with a plastic table cloth, and smooth out all of the wrinkles.

Step 5: Fold Into Pattern

Once all of the wrinkles are smoothed out, you can begin folding the hoodie into your desired pattern. This particular pattern displayed is the Spiral pattern. To achieve this, pinch the hoodie from the center and twist in a clockwise motion until the entire hoodie is wrapped into a circle. Proceed to secure the hoodie with rubber bands into portions that resemble a pie. Some of the other patterns you can try are Crumple, Ombre, Bullseye, and more. Get creative!

Step 6: Apply Dye to Clothing

Once your hoodie is separated into sections, you can begin applying the dye that you mixed earlier. There are multiple ways to apply the dye, but the method shown will create 4 thin spirals of each color emerging from the center. Be sure to also apply the dye inside of each fold to ensure that there is not too much white leftover. If you want more white to show, only apply dye to the surface.

Step 7: Store in Plastic Bag

Once you have dyed the hoodie to your liking, carefully place it in a plastic bag to sit overnight. For the best results, let it sit for at least 12 hours. The longer the hoodie sits, the more time the dye has to react with the fibers. This will lead to a more vibrant final product. Use the wet rag to wipe off the excess dye from the plastic table cloth in case you want to use it again.

Step 8: Rinse Out Excess Dye

Once your hoodie has been sitting for at least 12 hours, it is safe to remove it from the plastic bag. Proceed to rinse out the excess dye from the hoodie under cold water until it runs clear. This step can take up to 30 minutes depending on the amount of fabric you are working with.

Step 9: Place in Washing Machine

Once you have rinsed out the excess dye from your hoodie, it is safe to put in the washing machine. It is best to wash the hoodie alone or with similarly dyed items. Use mild detergent and put the setting on a normal wash cycle in hot water.

Step 10: Place in Dryer

Once the wash cycle is complete, place the hoodie in the dryer. Use a medium heat setting to reduce the possibility of too much shrinkage. You can also opt out for air drying instead.