A tie dye banner makes a great summer decoration for your home. Hang it in your home, on your porch or put it up as party decor!
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Tie dye is such a classic summer staple. We see it on clothes, shoes and other accessories. A couple of years ago, I made tie dye porch pillows using a tote. My kids make coordinating tie dye shirts every summer as part of their bucket list. It’s a fun activity to do, no matter your age, because there is no wrong way to tie dye. It will turn out different every time and that’s part of the fun!
This year, I’m adding to my summer decor by making a tie dye banner. I found the banner at my local Walmart next to the tie dye and knew it was meant to be. You can follow my instructions below, as well as find some pro tips for make the process easier.
And be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of this post for a chance to win some awesome tie dye supplies!
Supplies Needed for a Tie Dye Banner
- white canvas triangle pennant banner (I found mine at Walmart but these ones are the closest I could find online)
- tie dye, in desired colors
- rubber elastics
- plastic gloves
- plastic wrap
- cookie sheet (optional)
- wire cooling rack (optional)
How to Make A Summer Tie Dye Banner
First, remove each pennant from the cording. It is easier to dye each pennant individually, plus you still have a nice, white cord to string them onto.
Decide what colors you want your tie dye banner to be. I chose 4 colors: pink, blue, yellow and green.
Next, start putting elastics onto each pennant to get the design you want. There are usually a lot of suggestions given in the instruction guide included with the tie dye. I chose to do a classic spiral pattern on each pennant. However, you could mix and match your designs as well.
*PRO TIP* Since the pennants are small and I wanted to do a spiral pattern, I used a metal fork to help me achieve a tight enough spiral. You simply pinch the middle of the pennant and put it in between the middle fork prongs, about 1/4″. Then slowly twist the material around the fork, keeping the fork on the table, and guiding it with your fingers until it’s all the way around. Pull the twist off the fork and use rubber bands to secure the shape.
Once your material has been rubber banded, mix up your tie dye. Prepare your work area. I like to use a cookie sheet with a metal cooling rack inside to help keep the colors from running into each other.
Start applying the tie dye to your pennants.
*PRO TIP* If you are working with canvas, the dye will not soak in as quickly as it does on a shirt. I learned this when I made my tie dye porch pillows. The best way I’ve found is to squirt some dye, then let it soak in, squeezing the material a little every once in a while to get it to absorb.
After your done applying the dye, wrap each pennant separately in plastic wrap and set aside according the instructions in the package. I generally let my dye soak overnight to attain a richer color since I know I will lose some dye when I rinse and wash it.
The next step is to rinse the dye out using cold water. Rinse each piece one at a time. The instructions say to rinse until the water is clear. If you’re having a hard time getting it all out, just do your best. The rest will wash out when you put it in the washing machine.
Put your pennants in the washing machine and wash according to the instructions. Then dry them.
Because they are small, the pennants will probably not be flat when you pull them out of the dryer. I used an iron to quickly flatten them out.
Arrange your banner pieces in the order you want, then start to string them back onto the cording.
*PRO TIP* Wrap the end of the cording with some clear tape to prevent fraying and also make it stronger. Then stick a safely pin through the tape/cord. Push the pin through the top of the pennant first, then work your way through the tubing. Remove the tape and pin from the cording when you’re done stringing it.
Lastly, hang up your new summer tie dye banner!
Looking for more tie dye inspiration? Check out all these awesome projects from my friends below! Then go enter the giveaway at the bottom of the page for some tie dye supplies to make one of these cool projects.
Laura from Me and My INKlings has created a bright and colorful Rainbow Tie Dye Tote Bag
Smitha from Smiling Colors is sharing How to Throw a Tie Dye Party, perfect for Summer
Shani from Sunshine and Munchkins has created a rainbow Tie Dye Banner
Laura from Laura’s Crafty Life has a full tutorial on How to Tie Dye Tote Bags
Justine from Little Dove has created a reusable Tie Dye Fabric Wrapping Paper
Erica from 5 Little Monsters is sharing Shibori Inspired Tie Dye Swaddle Blankets
Kelsey from Poofy Cheeks has created a Tie Dye Sublimation Tumbler for Mom
