Learn the full tie-dye process from preparation through washout, then create two custom hand-dyed T-shirts using Procion MX fibre-reactive dyes.

• Learn The Full Process: Work through fabric preparation, folding, tying, dyeing, batching, rinsing, washing and care.
• Use Procion MX Dyes: Learn how fibre-reactive dyes work with cotton and how soda ash, dye concentration and batching affect the result.
• Explore Different Techniques: Practise spiral, scrunch, bullseye and pleating techniques while experimenting with colour placement and saturation.
• Make Two Shirts: Create two custom hand-dyed cotton T-shirts and take them home with instructions for completing the washout process.

Ever made tie-dye that looked great at first, only to have the colours fade or come out dull? This hands-on four-hour tie-dye 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, professional-quality dyes that chemically bond with natural fibres like cotton, you’ll learn why proper preparation, soda ash, dye concentration and batching are important for bright, durable colour. You’ll explore classic folding and tying techniques, experiment with colour placement and saturation, and create two custom hand-dyed T-shirts while learning a process you can continue using for years to come.

About Your Instructor

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.

Workshop 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experiment 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.
• Understand how to properly care for your finished tie-dye pieces.
• Take your shirts home with clear instructions for completing the washout process.

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.

What We Provide

• T-Shirts: Two cotton T-shirts per participant, supplied and prepared in advance by Mixed Results.
• Dyes & Chemistry: Procion MX dyes, soda ash, urea, and other required dye supplies provided by Mixed Results.
• Workshop Supplies: Gloves, elastics, and other consumables required for folding, tying, and dyeing.
• Preparation: Shirts are prewashed, soaked, and prepared by Mixed Results before the workshop.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Shirt Size: Your shirt size will need to be provided in advance so Mixed Results can prepare your shirts before the workshop.
• Finishing: Shirts will be taken home after dyeing so the batching and washout process can be completed using the provided instructions.
• Optional Finishing Service: Mixed Results can also provide a separate washout and finishing service for participants who would prefer not to complete the process at home.
• No Experience Required: This workshop is designed for beginners and does not require any previous tie-dye experience.

Event Details

• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: Steve Staples, Founder & Creator of Mixed Results
• Level: Beginner
• Maximum Capacity: 12 students
• Minimum Enrolment: This workshop runs with a minimum of 6 students.