Dip-dye a plain bag
Have fun with colours on a simple shopping bag
We used plain calico shopping bags from Hobbycraft, and Dylon Fabric Dye For Hand Use (£3.49, www.dylon.co.uk). Follow the instructions on the packet to mix up the dye. You will also need salt to fix the colour.
Wash the bags first to remove any finishes that might resist dye. Leave the bags damp.
Prepare green dye according to pack instructions, in a plastic bucket. Roll handles and top of bag around a pole to keep them out of dye.
To achieve subtle ombre effect, dip bottom half of bag into bucket of dye, and quickly pull it out a little way.
Gradually pull bag out of dye, little by little. When complete, rinse and dry. Repeat process lower down the bag using blue dye.
Tip Once the final colour is dry, wash the item thoroughly in washing detergent to remove any excess dye. Wash separately for the first few times afterwards to avoid transference.
Feature: Kirsty Robertson, Photo: Richard Burns. Illustration: Terry Evans
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