Materials Needed

• White or light-colored natural fiber garment (pre-washed)
• Fiber reactive dye in chosen colors
• Soda ash solution
• Squeeze bottles
• Rubber bands or string (optional)
• Plastic container or bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Preparation

1. 1

   Pre-wash your garment to remove any sizing or residue.

2. 2

   Prepare soda ash solution (1 cup per gallon of warm water).

3. 3

   Soak garment for 15-20 minutes in soda ash solution.

4. 4

   Wring out gently - fabric should be damp, not soaking.

5. 5

   Mix your dyes in squeeze bottles.

6. 6

   Cover your work surface with plastic.

Folding & Tying

1. 1

   Lay your damp garment flat on the work surface.

2. 2

   Start scrunching the fabric from one edge, pushing it toward the center.

3. 3

   Continue scrunching randomly until the entire garment forms a loose ball.

4. 4

   Don't overthink it - randomness is the goal!

5. 5

   Optionally, wrap rubber bands around the bundle to hold its shape.

6. 6

   Place on a wire rack over a tray.

Applying the Dye

1. 1

   Apply your first color randomly across the crumpled surface.

2. 2

   Turn the bundle and apply color to different areas.

3. 3

   Add your second color to different sections, allowing some overlap for blending.

4. 4

   Continue with additional colors as desired.

5. 5

   Make sure dye penetrates the folds by squeezing the bundle gently.

6. 6

   Leave some white space showing for contrast if desired.

Rinsing & Finishing

1. 1

   Wrap in plastic wrap and let cure for 24 hours minimum.

2. 2

   Rinse under cold water, removing rubber bands as you go.

3. 3

   Continue rinsing, gradually warming the water.

4. 4

   Wash in hot water with textile detergent.

5. 5

   Tumble dry or air dry.