Learn To Tie-Dye: DIY Swimsuit Cover-Up

Learn To Tie-Dye: DIY Swimsuit Cover-Up

Some of my favorite DIY projects repurpose items that would otherwise end up in the garbage or at the nearest donation center. Projects like this cutting board turned chalkboard, these tin can planters, and these plastic bag snow boots. In that vein, I’m going to show you how to take an old white t-shirt and turn it into an awesome DIY swimsuit cover-up. But first, you need to learn to tie-dye.

Don’t worry, it isn’t hard to learn to tie-dye. We’ll tackle it in just 9 steps; one of which is washing the shirt, and I’m sure all you busy moms know how to work the washing machine. Plus, once you learn to tie-dye, you can put the skill to use on all sorts of DIY projects. For example, as long as you aren’t scared of a little mess, you can help the kids learn to tie-dye and make their own t-shirts. Trust me, they’ll love it, and as long as you take the project outdoors, there shouldn’t be too much of a mess.

Once you learn to tie-dye shirts you can apply that skill to a large variety of other items such as blankets, dresses, shorts, bandanas, bags, and much more. Don’t be afraid to get out there and be as creative as possible. However, of all the things you can learn to tie-dye, I’m really fond of this DIY swimsuit cover-up. It’s a fun way to use an over-sized t-shirt while getting a stylish cover-up that’s perfect for the beach or pool.

MATERIALS

Men’s large white t-shirt
3 pack of tie-dye
Thick rubber bands
Plastic gloves
Scissors
Needle
Thread

TIE-DYE DIRECTIONS

1. Lay shirt flat and pinch the center with your fingers.

2. Swirl the center of your shirt until you can’t swirl it any more.

3. Divide shirt into six sections by placing rubber bands around the shirt.

4. Follow the directions on your dye. (I bought the bottles, so I just needed to add water.)

5. Place shirt on a plastic bag (preferably outside to avoid a mess), and squirt a different color tie-dye on each section of the shirt (or in a pattern if you only bought three colors like me).

6. Turn your shirt over and repeat step 5.

7. Let the shirt sit at least 6-8 hours so it can absorb the dye.

8. Remove the rubber bands and rinse outside with a hose.

9. Wash on warm water, separate from other clothes, and dry.

Guess what, you can now check “learn to tie-dye” off your to-do list! Now let’s put your skills to use to make a DIY swimsuit cover-up.

SWIMSUIT COVER-UP DIRECTIONS

1. Spread your shirt out flat on the floor.

2. Cut the sleeves off, creating a C shape and backwards C shape.

3. Turn your shirt over and cut the side sleeve holes a little larger but only in the back.

4. Flip your shirt back over and cut the collar off.

5. Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing up, and cut a straight line right below the neck.

6. Cut three even strips vertically on the bottom half of the back of your shirt.

7. Braid the strips and sew the end together with a needle and thread.

8. Sew the top of the braid to the center of the back of the neck piece.

9. Cut a 1″ x 4″ piece from one of your scrap sleeves.

10. Tie that piece tightly in a double or triple knot around where you just sewed to cover up any thread.

11. Enjoy!

Did you have fun with this learn to tie-dye DIY swimsuit cover-up? Want more DIY projects? Follow Freebie Finding Mom’s DIY Fun Pinterest board.