HOW TO

TIE-DYE WITH MAURIE + EVE DESIGNER, KELLY DAVIES-GREEN

Did you know some of the first styles our Co-Founder Kelly Davies-Green ever created were classic tie-dye Tees and dresses? Some trends just never fade. Re-create these classics at home with your choice of dye and the simple steps below. Kids? Have fun with some mini socks and cute white shirts!

1. Select the styles you want to dye. We recommend the Higher Love Dress, Gauze Throw or Solace Knit in white.

2. The TIE part of tie-dyeing is uniquely important. Simply lay your garment flat, group and tie sections of the garment with a rubber band. You can either freestyle (which is what we’ve done) or experiment with different techniques, as shared by High Snobiety: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/how-to-tie-dye-t-shirts/

3. Rubber gloves! Protect hands from staining and keep insulated while working with hot water. Fill a bucket or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. Use hot water. If tap water is not hot enough, boil the kettle a few times and add.

4. Enhance the colour. Add one cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen.

5. Pour powder dye or (well-shaken) liquid dye into the tub and mix with a stainless steel spoon or tongs. For those seeking a natural dye alternative, we recommend these steps by Martha Stewart: https://www.marthastewart.com/1518254/natural-dyes-from-vegetables-and-plants

6. Test colour. Dip a paper towel into the dye bath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.

7. Add your dry garment to the dye bath.

8. Stir slowly. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. If you want an even colour then continue to stir for no splotches. We like the mottled look, so Kelly stirred once before leaving for a few hours (or overnight).

9. When desired colour is achieved, remove garment from the dye bath. Head to the garden and using a hose, squeeze out excess dye – rinsing until the water begins to run clear.

10. Express rinse cycle in the washing machine.

11. Using small scissors carefully cut the rubber bands off.

12. Hang to dry in direct sunlight.