DIY a unique single-shoulder bag with tie-dye | Hands-on tutorial + design inspiration

Introduction

Tie-Dye is a retro handicraft art that has been very popular in recent years. Through simple folding, binding and dyeing, ordinary fabrics can be transformed into artworks full of personality. Today, I will guide you step by step on how to make a summer-looking single-shoulder bag with tie-dyeing techniques. I will explain the entire process from dyeing to sewing in detail. Even those with no prior experience can easily get started!

Material preparation list

Tie-dyeing part

Pure cotton canvas bag/blank cotton fabric (It is recommended to choose beige or white for better color display)

Fiber reactive dyes (recommended basic colors such as red, blue and yellow for convenient color matching)

Rubber gloves, plastic tablecloths (to prevent staining and dirtying the environment)

Rubber bands, ropes, clips (used for binding fabrics.

Clear water, salt (for color fixation)

Sewing part

Scissors, needles and threads/sewing machines

Leather shoulder strap/cotton webbing (about 120cm long, adjustable)

Decorative accessories (tassels, embroidered stickers, rivets, etc., selected according to personal preference)

tep 1: Tie-dyeing Techniques Revealed!

① Design your pattern

Classic spiral pattern: Lay the fabric flat, pinch the center point and rotate it into a spiral shape, then tie it in equal intervals with rubber bands.

Striped/wavy pattern: Fold the fabric repeatedly into an accordion shape and tie it horizontally or diagonally.

Random pleats: Randomly pick up the fabric and shape it into a ball, then wrap and fix it with a rope to create a natural blending effect.

Tips: For the first attempt, it is recommended to start with a single or double color to avoid overly mixed colors.

② Dyeing steps

Soak the bundled fabric in clean water and wring it out (moist fabric absorbs color more easily).

Put on the gloves, mix the dye as per the instructions, and apply it to the binding area with a dropper or brush.

Color separation technique: When using different colors in adjacent areas, separate them with rubber bands in the middle to prevent color mixing.

Put it in a sealed bag and let it stand for 6 to 8 hours (the longer the time, the more saturated the color).

③ Color fixation and cleaning

Remove the rubber band and rinse it with cold water until the water becomes clear.

Soak in salt water for 15 minutes to fix the color, then dry and iron it flat.

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Step 2: Sew the single-shoulder bag

① Cutting and trimming

Cut the dyed fabric into two rectangular pieces (suggested size: 35cm×40cm).

Face each other on the opposite side, sew both sides and the bottom (leaving 1cm of sewing space), and leave the top open without sewing.

② Install the shoulder straps

Sew D-shaped rings on both sides of the bag opening or fix the shoulder straps directly.

Adjustable design: Tie knots at both ends of the long shoulder strap or add a day-shaped buckle to adjust the length.

③ Decoration upgrade

Hand-draw patterns with acrylic paint and sew sequins or tassels on them.

Add inner pockets or magnetic clasps to enhance practicality.

Inspiration Gas Station: Tie-dye Color Scheme

Summer ocean style: Indigo and white blend, paired with shell pendants.

Forest-themed healing style: grass green + light yellow, decorated with linen knots.

Sweet and cool color contrast: fluorescent powder + black ink splash, decorated with rivets.

Tips

Wear gloves when dyeing to avoid direct skin contact with the dye.

Old T-shirts and canvas shoes can also be transformed in the same way, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective!

Natural dye alternatives: Use water boiled with plants such as purple cabbage and onion peels for dyeing (alum needs to be added to fix the color).

Conclusion

The charm of tie-dyeing lies in the "unknown beauty" - every crease gives birth to a unique pattern. Hurry up and make your own summer-exclusive bag! Don't forget to take a photo and check in after you finish, and @my blog to share your creativity ~

# Handicraft Diary # Tie-dye Art #DIY Fashion