“Tie-dye…is a modern version of traditional dyeing methods used in many cultures throughout the world. “ (www.wikipedia.com).

When most people think of tie dye in modern day, the first images suggested are those of hippies wearing bright and funky clothing, flashing peace signs and giving hugs to everyone and everything.  However, this social group is not the first, or the last, to use tie dye to fashion garments and other materials.

Archaeologists have found indications of tie dye techniques dating back five thousand years in India and Mesopotamia.  Safflower was used in creating a yellow dye for fabrics many centuries before Jesus was born.  Remember Joseph’s coat of many colors that was the envy of all his brothers?  Could it have possibly been tie dyed?  Evidence of tie dye has been found in countries all around the world including Egypt, Mexico, China, Japan, Rome, Asia, Africa and others.  Each area used different fabrics, dyes and techniques for creating the colorful patterns that are tie dye, but the art has a long and rich history.

Here in the United States, the first tie dye is recorded in 1909 in an article written by Charles Pewell a professor at Columbia University, describing a set of tie dyes brought over from Asia that are intricately created using tiny little knots leaving very small circles similar to needlepoint designs.  The article continues to describe a scientific way of experimenting with tie dye, using spices from the kitchen such as turmeric and safflower, and the placement of stones or other objects within the cloth before tie dyeing to create bold and unique patterns.

For modern day artists who are interested in tie dye, a simple explanation of this craft is that tie dye uses knots placed strategically within a cloth, and then dye is applied using a variety of techniques to the cloth.  Once the cloth dries, and the knots are removed, an unpredictable pattern with different shades and blends of color shines through creating an original work of art.  The colors can vary by whichever dye the user chooses, from lemon yellow to electric blue to pastel pink.  Each tie dye project can incorporate a great number of different colors or can be created from only a single color.

Tie dye is still a popular clothing style today with a great number of items available including tie dye pants, shirts, dresses, caps as well as linens and spreads.  And the fun doesn’t stop there… how about tie dye socks, hoodies, bandanas and onesies for your baby.  It’s all available in a dazzling array of styles and colors, and don’t forget the fun you can have creating your own unique tie dye apparel and accessories.

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