Arts and Crafts

Lutheran Church in Liberia

Tie-dyed fabric is common in Liberia, as well as other West African countries. You can tie-dye your own fabric or t-shirt.

Tie dye

Materials needed:

White cotton fabric squares or white t-shirts
Marbles or small plastic beads
Cotton thread or rubber bands
Plastic bucket
Rubber gloves
Cold water fabric dye

To make a design, lay a marble or bead on the fabric. Gather the fabric over the marble, and fasten it by tying with thread or a putting on a rubber band. Repeat at intervals, and add additional ties or rubber bands as desired.

Wearing gloves, make up dye in bucket according to package instructions. Put tied fabric or t-shirt into dye for 20 minutes. Take out and rinse, let dry with ties in place.

Fabric can be used as a scarf or bandanna, wall hanging, or made into a hair scrunchie.