Secondhand Clothing
Secondhand shopping, also known as upcycling, is one of fashion’s fastest-growing trends. Watch these two videos to learn all about it where correspondent Serena Altschul and journalist Grace Shutti take a look at how getting new use from unwanted clothes is becoming a $35 billion market.
Thrift Shopping: Making Fashion More Sustainable
From Retail to Resale: The Trend Disrupting Fashion
Project Description
Learn how to make easy and affordable tie dye alternatives, including a reverse method using a household product. This activity allows you to upcycle old t-shirts into colorful and unique tie-dye creations, promoting creativity and sustainable fashion practices.
DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirt Using Old T-Shirts
Materials Needed
- Old t-shirts
- Fabric dye
- Rubber bands
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic squeeze bottles or spray bottles
- Plastic bags or plastic wrap
- Plastic or metal surface for dyeing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Work Area: Lay down a plastic or metal surface to protect your work area.
- Wash Your T-Shirts: Wash your old t-shirts to remove any dirt or chemicals that may interfere with the dyeing process. Do not use fabric softener.
- Prepare the Dye: Follow the instructions on the fabric dye package to prepare the dye in squeeze bottles or spray bottles.
- Choose Your Design: Decide on the tie-dye design you want to create. Common designs include swirls, spirals, and bulls-eye patterns.
- Tie the T-Shirt: Lay the t-shirt flat and pinch the fabric where you want the center of your design to be. Twist the fabric into a spiral or fold it into accordion-like pleats. Use rubber bands to secure the fabric in place.
- Apply the Dye: Put on plastic gloves to protect your hands from the dye. Apply the dye to the t-shirt, saturating the fabric with the colors of your choice. Use different colors to create a vibrant design.
- Wrap the T-Shirt: Once you have applied the dye, place the t-shirt in a plastic bag or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it moist. Let it sit for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight, to allow the dye to set.
- Rinse and Wash: After the dye has set, rinse the t-shirt under cold water to remove excess dye. Wash the t-shirt in cold water with a mild detergent, then dry it according to the fabric care instructions.