Lemondrop helps you turn your cast-off clothes into hot-off-the-runway remixes. Tie-dye's unabashedly bohemian streak is well-suited for autumn, with designers like Rebecca Minkoff and Anna Sui giving their garments the hippie-chic treatment. For those who skipped arts and crafts camp in junior high, tie-dying is easy-peasy.
Your supplies:
· Powder or liquid dye in the colors of your choice
· Rubber bands or string; rubber gloves to keep your paws clean
· A stash of old white cotton tees, tanks, camis, button-downs -- whatever you fancy.
1. To create the trendy marbleized effect, wad your garment into a ball and tie rubber bands or string around it in a random pattern. Follow the instructions on your dye package to prepare your dye baths; each dye will need to be diluted in hot water.
2. Next, submerge your garment in the dye -- starting with the lightest color -- for approximately 10 minutes until you see that the color is roughly one shade darker than your desired hue.
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3. Rinse the garment under the tap until no more dye seeps out, then undo your rubber bands and squeeze out any remaining water with a towel.
4. Repeat the process, retying the garment so that some of the dyed pieces are in the middle of your wadded fabric. Dip the fabric into the next darker color.
5. Once you're done dyeing, undo the binds and rinse the bundle in cold water, then wash it in warm water and detergent.
Et voila! You've now got an on-trend piece that any Phish-y fashionista would love.
Tell Us: Got any DIY secrets you want to share? Let's hear 'em!
Feeling too lazy to bother? Try Funky Tie-Dye.
And check out this awesome gallery of some of our favorite tie-dye finds.
Adventures in Tie-Dye
A tie-dyed piano -- for when you want to have a classy cocktail party and hallucinate at the same time.
glsims99, Flickr
Doggie clothes seem to be in close competition with baby garments as the two most popular tie-dyed wardrobe items. (Notice how neither of the designated tie-dye wearers have a choice in the matter.)
tafada, Flickr
Rainbow Brite would be proud of these over-the-top technicolor kicks.
alexl1190423, Flickr
Work it out! Looks like SOMEBODY is enjoying those multi-colored undies.
meganpru, Flickr
This tote reveals the more refined side of tie-dye, where darker colors and bold motifs can be used to add flair to ordinary items.
Sibi, Flickr
Tie-dyed mashed potatoes -- a true culinary wonder.
emmavn, Flickr
Someone wants to stand out in a crowd! This teeny tie-dyed Mini Cooper could brighten up anyone's day.
atalou, Flickr
This fellow is clearly the star of the tie-dye party, and couldn't be more focused on making his wardrobe even more eccentric.
Mohan S, Flickr
A psychedelic bicycle -- we wonder who gets to ride on that snazzy backseat ...
Aaron TD, Flickr
Chocolate cake gone tie-dyed -- and still looking delicious.
Lakenvelder, Flickr






















