Tie Dye Backpack

How to Make

Before you start:
1. Rinse the backpack by hand then squeeze out most of the water until it is damp.

   Place the polythene sheet from the kit over your work surface. Place the backpack flat on top with the drawstrings pulled away from the sides. Pull out any creases or wrinkles.

To make a radiating circle or diamond pattern:

2. Fold the backpack in half so the bottom 2 corners meet the top 2 corners. Fold it over again to make a rectangle measuring approximately 16cm x 11cm.
   Position the backpack with the drawstrings at the top and the centre of the backpack in the bottom left hand corner.
   Hold the bottom right hand corners together then fold over into a triangle. The folded edges should meet on the left hand side leaving a 5-6cm strip at the top of the backpack. Tightly wrap 3 or 4 elastic bands around the backpack. As you add the elastic bands, the fabric will naturally pleat in the middle and become more pointed. Each elastic band needs to be wrapped 4 or 5 times around the fabric.

   To dye the backpack:

3. Wear the disposable gloves in the kit then follow the instructions for adding water to the dye bottle and applying it onto the fabric.
   Squeeze the dye over the cushion cover. Press and roll the bag to make sure the dye covers the fabric.

   Leave the backpack to dry for 6-8 hours hanging over a bowl with newspaper or paper towel underneath.
   Remove all the elastic bands (with gloves on) then open out the fabric.
   If it still feels very wet, remove any excess dye with paper towel or leave it to dry for a bit longer.

   Rinse the backpack in water then leave it to fully dry. Cover it with a pressing cloth then iron out the creases.

Top Tip

Squeeze some dye over the drawstrings to match the colours on the bag.