Tie dye is a simple yet creative art project represented by bright colors and funky patterns.  Easy-to-do at home with children, tie dye is a fun and inexpensive activity for families that can be passed on for generations.  Tie dye projects, such as baby blankets or pillowcases, make excellent handmade gifts for baby showers or wedding presents.

A simple tie dye pillow project that I have made for Christmas gifts is as follows:

Materials:

2 square yards solid color cloth, cotton or linen works best

Specially made dyes for tie dye

Rubber bands

Cotton fill

Instructions:

1) Wash the cloth and dry.

2) Cut two equal squares for the pillow, large enough for a three inch border around the pillow that will be cut and tied to close the pillow.

3) Tie the cloth using rubber bands in the technique chosen; dye the cloth.  Let dry for 24 hours.

4) Take out the knots and lay the prints face out, making a flat pillow.

5) Pin the four corners together.  Take great care to make sure the edges are all uniform and equal, then start cutting one-inch wide strips that are three inches long down one side of the pillow.

6) Then tie the two sides together with each pair of strips.  Continue this for each side of the pillow, leaving one side unfinished where you are going to stuff the pillow.

7) When finished stuffing, tie the last few pieces on the side.  Fluff and tighten any loose strips, and you have a finished tie dye pillow with tied sides.

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