We are going to show you how to create an accordion effect using dye and fabric. It is a wonderful look that gives your costume a 70’s feel. If that is what you are looking for, this might be the perfect process just for you.

Supplies:

Fabric or dance garment
Dye
Very large rubber bands
Large soup pot (dedicated for dyeing)
Wooden spoon or other stirring utensils (dedicated for dyeing)
Rubber gloves
Apron or old clothes
Bleach

Directions:

Before you do anything else, check Notes to Remember in the introductory section above.

1. Choosing Your Materials
First, you need to choose your fabric or garment and the color you want to use. This process could be used on any garment or on fabric.

2. Preparation
First, fill the sink or soup pot with hot, hot water and add the dye. If the tap water is not hot enough, you can add water that has been heated on the stove. Mix the dye with a very large spoon or other stirring utensil that is dedicated to dyeing. Remember, the hotter the water, the richer and darker the color you will achieve.

Next, lay the garment or fabric on a table and fold it like an accordion or venetian blinds. Place rubber bands approximately every four inches around the folded item and make sure that the bands are very tight. If you want more of the base color to show and not be dyed, use more rubber bands. The reverse is also true. If you want less of the base color to show, use fewer rubber bands. Also, check to make sure that the material remains properly folded under the rubber bands.

3. Dyeing the Garment
Before you do anything else, check Notes to Remember in the introductory section above.

The biggest difference between dyeing a garment or fabric to achieve the accordion effect is that the fabric must be dry. Dip the folded and banded fabric or garment into the dye two or three times. Do not squeeze the fabric or garment or you will spread the dye all through it and will ruin the accordion effect.

4. Rinsing Fabric and Garment and Setting the Color
With the rubber bands in place, rinse the fabric or garment in cold, running water for a few minutes to stop the dyeing process. Again, do not squeeze the garment. Once it has been thoroughly rinsed, remove the rubber bands. If necessary, cut the bands but be very careful that you do not cut the fabric. Do another cold water rinse. Last, you want to heat set the dye. To heat set the color, you can lay it out in the sun, use a steamer or even a hair dryer. If you choose to use a clothes dryer, rinse it out in the washer first using cold water. Otherwise, you will spread dye in the dryer. Even so, wipe the dryer walls with bleach and water.