Step 1: Pick a shirt

Try and buy a shirt that is 100% Cotton. I get packs of Hanes undershirts. They come in a pack of 3 for about $6.

Step 2: Have the materials ready for a successful Tie Dyeing project..Things you will need:

* Enough shirts for each child

*Rubber Bands

*Rubber Gloves

* Dyes ( you can buy kits but I prefer going old school and getting my own dyes plus it saves you a ton of money)

* Buckets for each dye you will be using

*Gallon Baggies

*Black Sharpie

*Stapler

* Printed out instructions for after care of the shirts

* Paper Towels or rags for clean up

Step 3: Getting the shirts ready for the Tie Dye

There are many different patterns you can make when tie dyeing, I try and keep it simple especially when doing it with preschool children. Before the kids arrive I lay out all the shirts and one by one I make a fan out of each shirt then tie about 10 rubber bands around each shirt.

I find great buckets at the dollar store for a buck, they are going to be a mess afterwards so why mess up a bucket that you use daily.If you are using 3 different types of dyes then buy 3 buckets etc..  I buy Rit Dye, you can find a HUGE selection at Jo Ann Fabrics. Set up your area, I prefer doing it on the grass so if something spills you are staining your sidewalk or driveway. Have all your materials ready to roll, Baggies for shirts, marker to write names on bags, Stapler and washing instructions so you can staple them on the baggies and rubber gloves so you and the children don't stain your hands. Once everything is ready, fill buckets up with WARM water and then add the dye to each bucket.

Step 5: Getting it done

When doing this with a large group of kids I would suggest that you have the children either sit in a circle with their shirts or stand in line waiting their turn. Call one child up at a time to do their shirt. Let them know what colors they have to choose from and ask them what one they would like to start with. When they are placing the shirt in the water have them count to 10 to make sure the dye is really soaking into the shirt. When using a different color have them bend or fold the shirt so they are not mixing the dyes, but let's be honest...this is their project so let them be creative.

Step 6: Storing the shirt for the way home

Once the shirt is done, place in a labeled baggie and staple washing instructions onto the bag.

When your child brings his/her shirt/apron home in the plastic baggie, take the shirt out. Leave the rubber bands on the shirt for 6 hours. After that point cut the rubber bands off and start the cleaning process.

The shirt will run so wash it in your sink, as you take the rubber bands off. Keep washing it in COLD water until the running stops, which may take some time. After the running stops put the Shirt/apron in the washer in cold water (NO SOAP). I would wash the shirt at least 2 times before using soap. Then after the second wash with just water, wash a 3^rd time in cold water using TIDE or your favorite detergent.

DO NOT WASH WITH ANYTHING ELSE!!!

After you are able to wash it with soap then it should be safe to wash with other clothes.

Have FUN!!!