The process of tie dyeing is a tried-and-true way to make colorful and unique designs on fabric but a key part of the process is getting the washer setting just right.
Let’s take a look at the optimal washer setting for achieving the perfect tie dye results.
The Best Washer Setting for Tie Dyeing
When it comes to tie dyeing the best washer setting is cold water and a delicate cycle.
This setting is ideal because it helps prevent the colors from fading and bleeding together while also avoiding damage to the garment.
The Benefits of a Delicate Cycle
When selecting a washer setting for tie dyeing it’s important to use a delicate cycle rather than a regular cycle.
This is because delicate cycles are usually set to a lower water level and slower spin cycles both of which help to preserve the colors in the fabric.
Additionally the lower water level prevents the fabric from becoming overly saturated resulting in a better-looking tie dye design.
Tie Dye Preparation Before Washing
Before washing on a delicate cycle it’s important to take a few steps to prepare the fabric for dyeing.
First make sure to pre-soak the fabric for at least 15 minutes in a solution of one cup of salt and one gallon of cold water.
This helps the dye better penetrate the fabric.
Once the fabric has been pre-soaked it’s time to apply the dye.
Use a squirt bottle to evenly distribute the dye across the fabric in the desired pattern.
Make sure the dye is completely absorbed and the fabric is saturated with color.
Once the dye has been applied and absorbed it’s time to wash the fabric on the cold water delicate cycle setting.
The Final Steps: Drying and Setting the Color
Once the fabric has been washed on the delicate cycle it’s time to dry it.
To ensure the colors stay bright it’s best to air dry the fabric rather than using a dryer.
Once the fabric is completely dry it’s time to set the colors.
This can be done by heating the fabric in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
After the fabric has been heated it’s ready to be used in any way desired!
Conclusion
When tie dyeing fabric it’s important to use the right washer setting in order to get optimal results.
The best setting for tie dyeing is a cold water delicate cycle.
This setting helps to avoid damage to the fabric while also preventing colors from bleeding together or fading.
Additionally it’s important to pre-soak the fabric in salt and water before dyeing and to use an oven to set the colors after the fabric has been washed and dried.
By following these steps you can easily achieve the perfect tie dye results.