Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing the paint
• Part 3 of 3: Dyeing the socks
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Tie dye socks are fun and easy to make. It can be a fun activity for the whole family, but some of the chemicals in the paint can irritate the skin, so always have an adult around. Here are some steps to follow to make these uniquely hip socks at home.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing the paint

1. Protect yourself and your work surface. Wear rubber gloves and clothing that can get dirty. Cover your work surface with old rags and large pieces of newspaper.
   • Textile paint stains your clothes, your skin and any other surface.
   • The rubber gloves protect your hands from stains and the caustic soda you will need to use later to prepare your socks for dyeing.
   • You can also wear an apron or something else to protect your clothes from the paint. Tie-dye can be messy, and it is entirely possible that dye will get on your clothes in the process.
   • You can also do it outside to prevent stains on furniture or floors.
2. Get clean, white cotton socks. Wash the socks before dyeing them.
   • The dye works best on cotton, so take socks with at least 80% cotton. Spandex and polyester cannot be dyed.
   • For the strongest, purest colors, use white socks.
3. Tie off the socks. Use rubber bands to tie off parts of the socks so that you get patterns when you dye them.
   • Make stripes by tying three or four rubber bands around the foot and ankle of the socks.
   • Make circles by gathering a piece of fabric and binding it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) with a rubber band. This is especially nice at the heel.
   • Make small dots by putting buttons or coins in the sock. Secure them with a rubber band so that they are held in place.

Part 3 of 3: Dyeing the socks

1. Wash the socks in hot water. When the socks are rinsed, wash them separately in the washing machine with hot water and normal detergent.

Tips

• If you don't like chemical paint, you can also make your own paint from foods and spices such as plum skins, turmeric, spinach, sorrel, beets, coffee or tea.

Warnings

• Always wear gloves when handling paint or baking soda. The paint stains and the soda can irritate the skin.
• It is wise to wash the dyed socks separately the first few times. It takes a while for the paint to stop coming off, and if you wash it with other items of clothing, you run the risk of staining it.

Necessities

• Rubber gloves
• Textile paint
• Apron
• Buckets
• Water
• salt
• Squeeze bottles
• Wooden spoon with long handle
• Soda
• Rubber bands
• Buttons or coins
• Resealable plastic bags
• Sink
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent