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Christmas Tie-Dye Technique

Add some tie dye to your wish list this holiday season and create Christmas tie dye with Tulip! This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to use your favorite Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit to make a vibrant Christmas lights design. The holidays wouldn’t be as merry and bright without this tie-dyed look!

Christmas Tie-Dye Technique

Bring Christmas cheer to your winter wardrobe with tie dye! This tutorial will show you how to make a Christmas tie-dye T-shirt with festive holiday lights.

Picture of Step 1: Gather Supplies

Step 1: Gather Supplies

  •       Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye
  •       Tulip Fabric Marker
  •       100% cotton T-shirt
  •       Paper lightbulb template
  •       Rubber bands
  •       Washable marker
  •       Disposable gloves
  •       Protective surface cover
  •       Plastic wrap or sealable plastic bag
Picture of Step 2: Prepare your project

Step 2: Prepare your project

Before you get started on your Christmas tie-dye project, prewash the substrate that you’ll be dyeing and lay the damp fabric flat on a protected work surface. Prepare your tie-dye solutions by adding water to the dye bottles, filling to the neck. Replace the cap tightly and shake well until dye powder is fully dissolved.

Picture of Step 3: Trace lightbulbs

Step 3: Trace lightbulbs

Use a washable marker to draw a curved line across the fabric to indicate where the lightbulbs will be on your Christmas tie-dye T-shirt. Take your paper lightbulb template and trace the shape along the line, alternating sides with each lightbulb.

Picture of Step 4: Bind the lightbulbs

Step 4: Bind the lightbulbs

Fold the lightbulb shape in half lengthwise, then pleat and fold the section along the drawn line. Wrap tightly with a rubber band and repeat with each Christmas lightbulb.

Picture of Step 5: Scrunch and bind

Step 5: Scrunch and bind

Once all your lightbulbs are wrapped with rubber bands, loosely scrunch the shirt together and bind with rubber bands.  

Picture of Step 6: Apply dye to lightbulbs

Step 6: Apply dye to lightbulbs

Apply dye colors of choice to each lightbulb. We’re using a vibrant rainbow palette to capture the spirit of the holidays for this Christmas tie-dye technique! Always remember to wear gloves when working with tie dye.

Picture of Step 7: Apply dye to rest of fabric

Step 7: Apply dye to rest of fabric

Apply dye to the remainder of the fabric, ensuring dye has penetrated the folds. For this festive Christmas tie-dye technique, we’re using two different shades of green so that our shirt looks like a Christmas tree adorned in colorful lights!


 

Picture of Step 8: Wrap & let set

Step 8: Wrap & let set

Once you’ve finished applying dyes to your Christmas tie-dye tee, cover with plastic wrap or place your project into a sealable plastic bag. Allow the dyes to set for 6-8 hours or overnight for more vibrant results. After the dye processes, rinse and launder according to package instructions.

Picture of Step 9: String the lights

Step 9: String the lights

Once your Christmas tie-dye shirt has been laundered, use a fabric marker to string the lights together and color in the base of each lightbulb.

Picture of Step 10: Reveal!

Step 10: Reveal!

Your Christmas tie-dye T-shirt is ready to wear! Pair this festive tee with a Santa hat and light-up holiday glasses for a complete Christmas outfit.

How are you using tie dye for your holiday craft projects? Show us your take on Christmas tie dye and tag us on social media @TulipColorCrafts!

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