Explain to students that in the sixties, that making tie-dyed shirts with bright colors and designs was a popular pastime for young people. To create a tie-dyed shirt, they would tie or knot an area of the shirt so that when they dipped the material into a container of dye, the areas that were tied did not absorb the color. Tell students that they are going to make their own tie-dyed shirts.

• White T-shirts
• Dye
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• Spoon
• Pot
• Bowls
• Rubber bands
• Newspaper or plastic

1. Use the rubber bands to bind the fabric tightly. The areas that you bind will stay white.
2. Place newspapers or plastic on the work areas to prevent staining and help with clean up.
3. Prepare the dye according to the manufacture's directions.
4. Soak the shirt (or a section of the shirt if you are using multiple colors) in the dye solution until it is the color that you want. If you plan on using multiple colors, begin with the lightest color. HINT Colors tend to be lighter after they dry.
5. Wearing gloves, squeeze out the excess dye.
6. Rinse the shirt with cold water or vinegar to set the color.
7. Remove the rubber bands and let the fabric air dry.
8. If desired, repeat the process using additional colors. HINT If you are using multiple colors, let each section dry before you place the shirt in another color.