Clean your workspace.
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Select your shirt. Prewash with synthrapol and soda ash to remove any treatments or chemicals that may be applied by the manufacturer. This will help the dye adhere better.
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While the shirt is still damp, lay it out flat and block out the areas (i.e. - sleeves) that you want to tie. These will vary depending on the pattern you choose.
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Find the center of the front of the shirt by folding in half and lining up the the top and bottom edges, then mark the front center with the washable marker.
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Create the fan folds on the sleeves, following the lines that you made during the blockout section. Try to keep the folds even height, tie them tight but not too tight! You want some dye to be able to get in there!
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Lay out the center design with the marker, and fold acording to the pattern you desire.
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Soak the shirt in a solution of soda ash for at least 15 minutes. Wring it out well when done to save the soda ash solution. Depending on the desired results, some patterns should be allowed to dry completely before dying. This can take several days, depending on how many folded layers there are and how tightly it is tied. Other times they can be dyed while still damp. If there are many layers or folds, letting it completely dry will let the dye absorb better, the dry fabric will naturally wick the dye into the deepest folds and create an even dye dispersion. If there aren't many layers or folds, dying while damp will create natural blends and color gradiations between the colors that are applied.
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Get your workspace ready, and start making the dye concentrates.
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Combine the concentrates to create new colors and make dilutions (weaker or lighter solutions).
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Now let's get ready to dye!
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When you are done applying the dye, cover the shirt so that it will not dry out and let the dye react for about 8 hrs (the longer the better as long is it remains moist).
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Don't be an idiot, wear gloves! The dye stays in the skin for days and it's embarrassing to go to work with blue fingers!
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Wash out in the washer with coldest water. Run for 30 seconds, switch to rinse and finish the cycle then immediately run a full washout cycle again with synthrapol. Dry on high heat until the shirt is completely dry. You should wash it out again, adding distilled vinegar (1 cup per load) to completely bond the dye and prevent running and perspiration stains.
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