Mermaid Scales Tie Dye Shirt DIY!


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Learn how to do an ombre tie dye shirt with resist for the perfect mermaid or fish scale pattern. Easy diy craft for kids, summer camp, family reunions, parties and more!

Mermaid Scales Tie Dye Shirt DIY!


Use Tie Dye to create a mermaid or fish scale finish on a cotton t-shirt, perfect for Summer fun. 

Tie dye is so simple and fun to use. 


Mermaid Scales Tie Dye Shirt DIY!   Use Tie Dye to create a mermaid or fish scale finish on a cotton t-shirt, perfect for Summer fun.   Tie dye is so simple and fun to use.

The tie dye works perfectly with this pattern, it has an ombre vibe and looks awesome!  


The tie dye works perfectly with this pattern, it has an ombre vibe and looks awesome!


Make the perfect Summer time shirt, great for themed Mermaid or "under the sea" parties, fun for family reunions, Summer camp craft time and more!


Make the perfect Summer time shirt, great for themed Mermaid or "under the sea" parties, fun for family reunions, Summer camp craft time and more!

Supplies Needed for Mermaid Scale Tie Dye Shirt:


Supplies Needed for Mermaid Scale Tie Dye Shirt: 100% Cotton Shirts One Step Tie Dye Kit (Shibori is perfect) Clear Glue Garbage Bag Cardboard Covered Work Space

Step 1: Scales on the Shirt


Begin by covering the cardboard in the garbage bag and inserting it in the shirt. Then use the clear glue to draw scales on the shirt.


Step 1: Scales on the Shirt   Begin by covering the cardboard in the garbage bag and inserting it in the shirt. Then use the clear glue to draw scales on the shirt.

Lift the shirt away from the garbage bag and cardboard every once in a while to prevent the shirt from sticking to the cardboard.


Lift the shirt away from the garbage bag and cardboard every once in a while to prevent the shirt from sticking to the cardboard.

Once dry, you can turn the shirt over and continue the scales on the other side if desired. 


Once dry, you can turn the shirt over and continue the scales on the other side if desired.

Step 2: Tie Dye Time!


Now get out the Tulip One Step Tie Dyes.


Step 2: Tie Dye Time!   Now get out the Tulip One Step Tie Dyes.

Mix up the tie dye according to the package directions. Fill to the line with warm water and shake up the dye. 

Set the shirt on a covered table, I like to work outside if the weather is nice.


Mix up the tie dye according to the package directions. Fill to the line with warm water and shake up the dye. Set the shirt on a covered table, I like to work outside if the weather is nice.

Dip the shirt gently in a bucket of warm water. Then place it back down on the table.


Dip the shirt gently in a bucket of warm water. Then place it back down on the table.

Then put on your gloves and squeeze the dye over the top of the shirt. It will bleed through to the other side, so there is no reason to turn the shirt over.


Then put on your gloves and squeeze the dye over the top of the shirt. It will bleed through to the other side, so there is no reason to turn the shirt over.

The glue will act as a resist and leave the lines showing through. Once the shirt is covered, leave it on the table but cover with a garbage bag to help it hold in the warmth.


The glue will act as a resist and leave the lines showing through. Once the shirt is covered, leave it on the table but cover with a garbage bag to help it hold in the warmth.

After 8 hours of warm sunning, rinse the shirt out on the patio with the garden hose. Rinse until the water runs clear out of the shirt. 

At this point, the water will begin to break down the clear glue, leaving the white lines behind.


After 8 hours of warm sunning, rinse the shirt out on the patio with the garden hose. Rinse until the water runs clear out of the shirt.   At this point, the water will begin to break down the clear glue, leaving the white lines behind.

Rinse the shirt and then run it through the washing machine on a normal cycle. 

Now it is ready to wear! Sport your Mermaid scale tie dyed shirt all Summer long!


Rinse the shirt and then run it through the washing machine on a normal cycle.   Now it is ready to wear! Sport your Mermaid or fish scales tie dyed shirt all Summer long!

That's it!

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Learn how to do an ombre tie dye shirt with resist for the perfect mermaid or fish scale pattern. Easy diy craft for kids, summer camp, family reunions, parties and more!


Check out more tie dye posts too!












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Comments

MO said…
Don’t make my mistake!!! I spent a many hours putting perfect mermaid scales on a sleeveless t-shirt. And used lots of glue sticks!! I had some Rit dye so I decided to use that. I got my water good and hot, added salt and put my shirt in. All the glue melted and caused a huge mess. I am SOOO disappointed!! This was a big FAIL for me. Make sure you use a the dye kit!!!