tiedyes

Tiedyes is a textile dyeing practice in which portions of fabric are bound, twisted, or wrapped to resist dye penetration. When the bindings are removed, the areas that were tied remain undyed or take on lighter tones, creating patterns that range from circles and spirals to abstract motifs. The term is often used as a broader or alternative way to refer to what is commonly called tie-dye.

Historically, resist-dye techniques have deep roots in many cultures. In Japan, shibori uses binding, stitching, and folding to produce intricate patterns. In India and parts of the Middle East, Bandhani and related methods involve tying fabric in small sections before dyeing to yield dotted designs. Tie-dye gained wide popularity in the United States and Western Europe during the 1960s and 1970s as a symbol of counterculture and handmade craft, and it remains a popular DIY and fashion technique today.

Techniques used in tiedyes include folding, pleating, twisting, and binding the fabric with rubber bands, strings, or clamps before applying dye. Dyes commonly employed include fiber-reactive dyes on cellulose fibers like cotton, as well as direct dyes and natural dyes in various contexts. After dyeing, fabrics are usually rinsed, washed, and sometimes heat-set to fix color and improve washfastness.

Materials and care vary by dye type, but common guidance includes washing dyed fabrics separately at first and following dye manufacturer recommendations for setting and curing. Tiedyes remains a versatile, accessible method for creating personalized textile patterns in both educational settings and professional studios.