Craft stores often sell affordable tie-dye kits that dye one, or two pieces of clothing  A problem arises, however, when you are in charge of providing a craft for a large group, but are only given a small stipen in which to buy craft supplies. Fortunately, you can still add tie-dyeing to your list of things to do. Simply use food coloring, or Kool-Aid packets instead.

You will need:

Newspaper
Rubber bands
Cotton clothing item
Plastic cups
Water
Vinegar
Food coloring/Kool-Aid packets

Follow these steps to make your tie-dye creation:

Step 1:
Lay several sheets of newspaper over your craft table to prevent any dye from staining your tabletop.

Step 2:
Roll your cotton clothing item up, and wrap rubber bands around it. Placing the rubber bands in different places will create unique patterns. You can use as many, or as few rubber bands as you want. There is no right or wrong way to wrap your clothing.

Step 3:
Pour 6 ounces of water in a plastic cup. Add 1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar, and your dye of choice. If using food coloring, keep in mind that the more drops you add to the water, the darker your color will be. Use one cup for each color that you plan on using on your clothing item.

Step 4:
Dip one section of your clothing at a time in the dye. Set the clothing aside until it drys.

Step 5:
Remove the rubber bands, and unravel the clothing item to reveal your tie-dye masterpiece.

Tip:
Place the homemade dye in a spray bottle if you are having a hard time coating the middle of the cotton clothing item.

Warnings:
Launder the tie-dye item separately in cold water. The first few washes may release some of the homemade dye, and you don’t want it ruining your other clothing items.