Although resist dyeing techniques (including ones involving binding of fabric prior to coloring) date back at least 2,500 years, tie dyeing as it has come to be known is a distinctly American artform that was born out of the freewheeling hippy days of California in the 1960’s. Even today, multi-colored tie dye motifs like the rainbow spiral are widely associated with the love movement that took America by storm some forty years ago. Though tie dye has been absorbed into more mainstream aesthetics in recent years (see “tie dye chic,” for instance, a popular “yuppie” fad), it remains a markedly American tradition.
Believe it or not, Jacquard was the very first to offer a “tie dye kit”—a package containing everything you need to tie dye like a hippy/pro. Jacquard has been offering this kit since 1982, proudly manufactured in the San Francisco bay area, the birthplace of hippiedom! These days, tie dye kits abound in the US—there is a whole aisle of them in Walmart!—but they are all knock-offs of Jacquard’s original kit, mostly manufactured in China, and it goes without saying, none of them are nearly as high quality nor of equal value to Jacquard’s. The Jacquard Tie Dye Kits are still the gold standard, and it is a high bar they have set: the kits yield intense and lasting colors that to this day are unmatched by any other brand in the world!
With summer upon us what better way is there to celebrate than getting outside and tie dying your shirts, jean shorts, headbands, socks, bedding, dresses or underwear! All Jacquard’s Tie Dye kits are easy-to-use, and no two results are ever exactly alike. The design possibilities are endless and unique as fingerprints! They make great gifts and are wonderful party activities. Kits contain everything needed for dyeing (except the fabric): pre-measured Procion MX Dye powder (in convenient applicator bottles), Soda Ash dye fixer, rubber bands, gloves and easy-to-follow instructions.
Jacquard Tie Dye Kits are available through MacPherson’s in two sizes JAC9444 and JAC9445 retail at $11.99 and JAC9320 and JAC9325 retail for $19.99.