Name: Barbara
Message: Will towels work for tie dying?  I have a classroom of children and would like to do a beach towel with them.

Yes, but keep in mind that, because towels are very absorbant, they require a large amount of dye. A thin towel doesn't work as well as a towel, but is easier to dye then a thick plush towel.

Only try dyeing 100% cotton towels. Avoid any with any polyester content. They all are stitched with polyester thread, which will stay white, but that's okay for tie-dyeing.

Also consider dyeing a tablecloth, instead, which could be used for a picnic

Are you doing just one, or one for each child? The latter would be more work than dyeing a t-shirt for each child.

Don't use all-purpose dye, or you will be disappointed. The best dye to use is Procion MX dye, for example Jacquard brand Procion dye. Use Dylon Permanent dye only if you are in a great hurry, because it is expensive to buy one packet for every half-pound of fabric. The best source of dyes would be mail order.


(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)