Each harmony tie-dye is intricately hand folded, bound with string and dyed with colorfast dyes to produce brilliant designs and bright colors that neither fade nor run.
A bit about the Harmony Process
What is Harmony Tie-Dye?
Harmony tie-dye is just what its name implies with an extra 26 years of experience piled on. The clothing or material is tied and then dyed. Of course, it isn't that simple. Harmony tie-dye is a technique of dyeing using the resist method. Resist is when something like string, rubber bands, wax, clothespins, paper clips, or stitching is used to keep the dye from being absorbed into the material. The resist method creates designs and patterns depending on the placement of the resist materials. The design is also affected by the amount of dye used and where it is placed.
Our tie-dye requires a dyeable material which is folded, pleated, or scrunched to create different patterns and designs. These are then tied off with rubber bands or sting, or sewn together so the folds don't come apart in the dyeing process. The item can then be dipped or dunked in a dye bath or vat, or dye can be squeezed or dripped onto it. When the ties are removed, the design emerges from where the ties were. A random or specific design can be created depending on how the folding and tying are done. Each part of the process allows for many possibilities, and that's what makes tie-dye so varied and interesting.
Here at Harmony, we've refined many techniques of tie-dye to create unique and unmatched designs, color quality, and precision. In the interest of spreading beauty throughout the world, we have offered the secrets of the Harmony Technique. Please read on to discover the first of many detailed steps outlined in our book: Tie-Dye! The How-To Book and begin your experimentation with this versatile art.
Stage 1: Fold & Tie
The first step in tie-dyeing is folding and tying the material. This is the essence of the art form. How the folds are made will determine how the design appears. Detailed folding of the cloth creates intricate patterns. I'm going to discuss some of the easier designs first so that everyone can try them and become familiar with the different results.
To start, soak the fabric to be dyed in a soda ash solution (1/2 cup soda ash per gallon of water), agitating it for five to ten minutes. Remove the fabric and wring it out thoroughly; the fabric is then ready to fold. Tying cloth soaked in soda ash can be hard on the skin, so use tight gloves that give you dexterity such as surgical gloves. The right wetness is very important to the final results of the item. If the fabric is too wet, the dye becomes diluted and a washed-out look will result. If the item is too dry, the dye will not penetrate into the cloth and there will be large irregular white areas. If the items are tied dry, they can be dampened before dyeing. To test dampness, squeeze the item firmly. There should be no water dripping from it. Wrap string or rubber bands around the design to secure it.
Please visit our online store to purchase the detailed how-to book and complete the next four stages to a fun and successful project.