The technical term for this technique is called "discharge dyeing", it's where you use bleach to remove color from fabric, but I like to think of it as "bleach art."
I'm going to show you four ways that I used bleach to design some cool summer tees! Ready?
OK, supplies:
- cotton t-shirts - this is crucial. It has to be at least 60% cotton or the bleach and dye will not grip the fabric.
- bleach (a bleach pen is good too)
- spray bottle
- plastic table cover
- Tulip One-Step Dyes
- Tulip Sticky Fabric Stencils
This is what the shirts look like after the bleach has been washed out. you can see how the color is lifted! Now they are ready for colorful dye! |
1. STENCIL TECHNIQUE
Place stencils all over the front of the shirt. You can use all parts of the stencils! |
Apply bleach over areas you want lifted. TIP: For a cleaner edge, brush on lightly. I gobbed way too much on, which is why my design is blurry, but I still like it! |
Let it sit for 20 minutes and then peel away stencils. Wash in cold water and a bit of laundry soap. Hang to dry. |
Wash shirt and dry. Apply bleach in an extra Tulip Dye bottle and make stripes across the shirt. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, wash in cold water with a bit of laundry soap in the machine, let dry. |
Finished look! |
3. FAUX PATINA BLACK SHIRT
Wash with a bit of laundry soap in your machine and set out flat. |
Mix the Tulip One-Step Dye in teal, lime green and purple. Apply to all the bleached areas, randomly. Let it sit for about 6 hours and then wash in your machine and hang to dry. |
Here it is! Doesn't it look like patina? |
4. TAPED STRIPES
I as going to add dye to this, but after I looked at it, I decided I liked it as is!! |