Tie Dying for Tots

ages 3-6

Supplies

Stained clothing (preferably a light color), fabric dye (such as RIT), bucket or other container, rubber bands

Activity Detail

A great way to save some of your kids' stained clothing is to tie dye it. The kids love it. Take any light color garment and gather a small section in your hand (this is what will create the tie-dye circles). Bind the section together by wrapping a rubber band around the material. Repeat as many times as you wish. Then fill buckets or containers with fabric dye (RIT is a good choice; follow the directions on the box). To create the tie-dye pattern, dunk the shirt into the bucket. You can put the entire shirt in one color -- the part of the shirt that's been bound with rubber bands will have a pattern that is left un-dyed. You could also use many colors, dipping just a small part of the shirt into each color. Let the garment dry and remove the rubberbands. Your child will love that they helped to create a work of art that he or she can wear. Good to remember! You can also buy a cheap T-shirt at the local hobby store if you do not have any stained ones.