TEXTILE

Live and Let Dye: A Tie-Dye Workshop

Name: Live and Let Dye: A Tie-Dye Workshop
Brand: Mixed Results
Price: 250.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Ever made tie-dye that looked great at first, only to have the colours fade or come out dull? This hands-on four-hour intensive covers the complete process behind vibrant, long-lasting results, from fabric preparation and colour selection to folding, tying, dyeing, batching and washing. Working with Procion MX fibre-reactive dyes, you’ll explore classic folding techniques, experiment with colour placement and saturation, and create two custom hand-dyed T-shirts while learning a process you can continue using on your own.

All Materials Included

Two prepared cotton T-shirts, Procion MX dyes, soda ash, urea, gloves, elastics and other required dyeing supplies are provided.

ART HUB

Hands-on workshop at the Urban Art Collective Art Hub.

Small Class Size

6 minimum · 12 maximum

SKILL LEVEL

No Experience Needed

COURSE RUNDOWN

Part 1: Tie-Dye 101

Learn how fibre-reactive dyes work with cotton, understand the role of soda ash and other basic dye chemistry, and explore introductory colour theory and how the dyeing process develops over time.

Part 2: Folding & Tying

Learn several tie-dye techniques including spiral, scrunch, bullseye and pleating. Fold and tie your first shirt together as a group with hands-on instructor support, and explore examples from Mixed Results to see the range of patterns, colour combinations and approaches possible with tie-dye.

Part 3: Colour & Dyeing

Explore colour selection, placement and saturation, and learn how to avoid muddy colour combinations. Watch a demonstration of the dye application process before choosing and applying your own colours.

Part 4: Hands-On Dyeing

Dye your first shirt with direct guidance on technique, colour placement and troubleshooting. Use what you have learned to fold and dye a second shirt, experimenting with different folds, patterns and colour combinations as your confidence grows.

Part 5: Washout & Care

Learn how batching, rinsing and washing affect the finished result, and understand how to properly care for your finished tie-dye pieces. Take your shirts home with clear instructions for completing the washout process.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

By The End Of This Workshop, You Will:

Understand the basic chemistry behind fibre-reactive tie-dye.
Use spiral, scrunch, bullseye and pleating techniques to create different patterns.
Make more intentional colour choices and avoid muddy combinations.
Apply Procion MX dyes with greater control over placement and saturation.
Understand the batching, rinsing, washing and care process.
Create two custom hand-dyed T-shirts.
Leave with the knowledge to continue experimenting with tie-dye on your own.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Mixed Results

Steve Staples is the founder and creator behind Mixed Results, an Ottawa-based dye studio working in tie-dye, ice-dye, reverse dye and upcycled pieces. Every piece is dyed by hand, with a focus on colour, experimentation and the psychedelic roots of authentic tie-dye.

Shirt Size: Provide your shirt size in advance so Mixed Results can prepare your two shirts before the workshop.
Finishing: Your shirts will go home with you after dyeing so the batching and washout process can be completed using the provided instructions.
Optional Finishing Service: Mixed Results can provide a separate washout and finishing service if you would prefer not to complete the process at home.

Have a question about the course or need to discuss accessibility or accommodations before class? Contact us at learn@urbanartcollective.ca.

Parking is available at 1088 Somerset St W at the UAC Art Gallery, as well as at 50 Bayswater Ave. The parking area at 50 Bayswater is accessed from Somerset St W, not from Bayswater Avenue.

Cancellation Policy

14+ days before the first class: Full refund to your original payment method.
7–13 days before: Full-value UAC LAB credit.
Less than 7 days before: No refund or credit.

Registrations can be transferred to another person at no charge before the class begins. Missed classes or sessions are not eligible for refunds, credits or individual make-up classes.

If UAC LAB cancels a class, you can choose a full refund or full-value UAC LAB credit. If we reschedule and the new date does not work for you, you may also request a refund or credit.

UAC LAB Class Registration, Cancellation & Refund Policy