Denim Shirt Upcycle Tutorial
Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com.
Supplies:
If you prefer to use an indigo kit this is a good one-
-Jacquard Indigo Kit: https://amzn.to/3qaonN3
Indigo ingredients for a 2x2x1 vat
- Pre-reduced indigo- https://amzn.to/2UmMaOh
-Soda Ash- Sodium Carbonate- https://amzn.to/3vAxKqw
-Thiox- https://www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/dharmas-dyehouse-color-remover.html
-Bucket 3-5 Gallons- https://amzn.to/3cQTlVi
-Synthrapol- dyers' detergent- https://amzn.to/3cSPNls
-Bleach
-Iron- https://amzn.to/35CKbru
-Ironing Mat- https://amzn.to/2TQ3Ml1
-Or Ironing Board- https://amzn.to/3q8CxhM
-Rubber Bands- https://amzn.to/3wIsYIL
-Wooden Craft Blocks- https://amzn.to/3qdm7or
-Drying Rack- https://amzn.to/3gHQLmU
Disclaimer: Please note that the Amazon links above are Amazon affiliate links- that means I get a commission when you buy these- at no extra cost to you. I use affiliate links on products that I have actually used. Thanks for your support.
I was so bummed out when I somehow got bleach on one of my favorite J Crew denim shirts! I decided to upcycle instead of throw it out because it had a lot of life left. I first tried using bleach to see if it would make pattern. It lightened it, but not enough so I decided to bring out the big guns- my favorite, Indigo. I do think the first dip in the bleach water increased the contrast of the fabric and indigo, which was a good thing. I used about one cup of bleach for a gallon and a half.
I washed and dried the shirt after dipping in the bleach solution. I wanted to make sure the bleach didn't keep eating at the fibers so I used soap. Then I folded into a vertical rectangle and used multiple sets of blocks to bind it from collar to hem. I like to use multiple blocks for a very crisp resist. You could try using less, but it might be a bit more square looking. I also was careful to not let any fabric stick out from the sides of the blocks. I wanted the resist to be as much of a stripe as I could get. Next I dipped it back into the indigo vat and let it dry. I washed it with synthrapol and dried it. Now I can wear it again, and it's a great shirt to wear when actually dyeing!
Check out my Skillshare Classes and Online Workshops:
How to Ice Dye for Beginners: You can get a free 14 day trial of Skillshare Premium with this link: https://skl.sh/3xKUPJf
Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners: You can get a free 14 day trial of Skillshare Premium with this link: https://skl.sh/3mPXk83
Live Online Shibori indigo Tie Dye for Beginners: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shibori-indigo-tie-dye-for-beginners-virtual-workshop-tickets-104093582708?keep_tld=1