Family FunSpot August
This month’s FunSpot is filled with color and mystery! We also added a little twist by having our Kids Quest graphic designer and founder of Northern Ties clothing, Jacklyn Rasmussen, show you the ropes on how to make a one-of-a-kind beach towel. The best part about tie-dye? You never know how it will turn out, so there’s a guaranteed surprise waiting for the kids!
Watch the how-to video on our YouTube Channel – https://youtu.be/eomc7i6yx58
Tie Dye Beach Towel
You will need:
- White Cotton Towel
- Rubber Bands
- Plastic squeeze bottles
- Liquid dye (we used two colors from Rit’s liquid dye product line)
- Rit colorstay fixative
- Metal fork
- Water
- Plastic wrap
- Disposable plastic gloves
- Waterproof covering for your work surface (we used a plastic tablecloth from the Dollar Store)
Instructions:
Place the waterproof covering on top of your work surface. You can work on a table or on the ground. We chose to work on a concrete patio, because being outside seemed best, as this is a messy activity!
Speaking of mess—be sure to protect little hands with disposable plastic gloves before you begin.
Mix your dye in the squeeze bottles. Follow the instructions on the back of the RIT dye bottle for mixing instructions (this step is very important). After shaking the dyes to thoroughly mix the water and dye, set them aside until ready for use.
Lay your towel flat on the work surface and smooth it out.
Take a fork and set it in the middle of towel and slowly spin the fabric—it will be like swirling a forkful of spaghetti! Keep twisting until the towel is wound into a bundle.
Once the bundle is spun tightly, grab your rubber bands, and bind the towel. The rubber bands will hold the folds in place when you apply the dyes.
Next comes the fun (messy) part! Take the squeeze bottles and squirt the dye onto the towel. Once you have saturated the towel with dye, wrap up the bundle in plastic wrap and let it sit overnight—12 hours are about right to get the best results.
Next, get ready for the surprise! Glove up and remove the rubber bands and slowly unwrap the towel.
Lastly, add 8 tablespoons of the Rit Colorstay fixative to a bucket or sink filled with hot water. Immerse the towel in the bucket and let it soak, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Then rinse the towel separately in cold water until the water runs clear. Follow this up by washing separately in the machine with detergent and cold water before use.
Click here to view or print out the instructions – KQCQ Tie Dye Beach Towel Instructions
We Want to Hear From You – Enter to Win!
Try this activity on your own and leave a comment or share a photo of your tie-dye magic! By doing so, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of the beach towels shown below.
Enjoy and Good Luck!
