If you are looking for a fabulous, unique, EASY project, then this DIY Sharpie Tie Dye Scarf Tutorial is for you! I love to create these for last-minute gifts or fun projects when I get together with girlfriends. They make any simple outfit simply beautiful……and since they are so easy to create, you can always have an extensive collection on hand!
Let’s Do This: Sharpie Watercolor Scarf!
You will need:
- Sharpies in various colors and points
I really love to use wider-nib markers so they create bigger designs, but the techniques are SO endless. It’s beautiful to create big washes of color, then go back with a fine point to define the lines. Play with it….make a couple “sample” scarves to find the design technique you like best. I use both of these Sharpie marker collections with great success: Sharpie fine point and Sharpie chisel point. Sharpie ultra fine are great to use after your watercolor design has dried – you can go back into your design and add detail and definition with the thin black line it makes.
I like to use silk because it “bleeds” the marker design evenly and creates a beautiful watercolor effect. Scarves come in many different dimensions, so chose one that compliments your final design. I have found great silk blanks at many online retailers, like Amazon and Dharma Trading. I usually use the 8″ X 54″ scarves because they are so versatile, but some people like square shapes, longer rectangles, whatever! There are so many options – it’s good to have a collection in various shapes, sizes and designs.
Just regular ol’ rubbing alcohol will do. Keep your Grey Goose for the company. BUT, if you love doing these Sharpie tie-dye designs, invest in a big bottle of rubbing alcohol. It’s cheap, and you always have your craft supply on hand.
- Spray bottle and/or dropper
This is used to apply the alcohol – but if you find a method you like better (like a paint brush), then rock on, Sister Scarf Maker. I love to use pipettes because they hold a lot….and I hate to keep drawing alcohol while I apply it to the scarf.
That’s really it. The rest of the supplies are up to you – they’re used to minimize the mess. And you know how I feel about messes – I encourage making them (in the name of art and fun, of course).
I put newspaper, then butcher paper under the scarf and tape it down (lightly). This allows the scarf to be taut while I draw the design. You decide what layers work for you (and your work area).
Draw your design. BAM.
Involve your family (sans the Sharpies for the little ones).
Just keep drawing! Have fun! You seriously CANNOT make a mistake on this project!
If you thought you had fun making your design, PUT ON YOUR ART-FUN SEATBELT for the next step because it’s even MORE EXHILARATING!
**Before this step, I put towels underneath the scarf so the alcohol can be absorbed, and doesn’t “sit” underneath the scarf.
Using the spray bottle or pipette, apply alcohol to your design and let the marker lines turn into running watercolor. I know. It’s almost too much excitement for one project.
Let it dry – which doesn’t take long, because it’s alcohol – it has weak molecular bonds. But you knew that.
That’s it! If you want, go back with a fine point black marker and re-define the shapes. The finishing steps are up to you…the artist. But whatever you do, enjoy your beautiful new wearable work of art.
If you love the simple, unique, FABULOUS look of Sharpie tie-dye, then check out our other projects for bags: Sharpie Marker Tie-Dye Tutorial. They are JUST as much fun.
I hope this tutorial was helpful! I’d love to hear your comments, questions, and suggestions below. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our AMAZING monthly newsletter, full of fabulous crafts and ideas! It’s delivered right to your inbox – no stalking or hovering involved.
Thanks so much for stopping by our Inspired Mess! Come back to craft with us soon!
Love this!!! You would never guess that these beautiful designs were made with a sharpie marker!
Thanks for sharing at Create Link Inspire! 🙂
Holy sharpies!!! The tie dye scarves are terrific! When my precious little princess was a toddler and someone would ask her what her favorite color was, she’d say it was tie dye. This project was so much fun for both of us. We used both silk and linen fabric, and we used narrow and wide markers. Because I wear a lot of black, I even made a scarf that was just black and white. There are a million different options. You rock, Cyndi!!!
Loved your website. Glad that you acting a lady with a busy life and sometimes a mess happens. I’m tired of these website with the lady that does them looks like nothing ever goes wrong in their life and a mess best not be made when doing one of their projects. Excuse me! Crafts are messy unless you have the maid to do them for you. I truly enjoyed your site and of course , signed up immediately. You seem like a real person that is not afraid to admit things happen when doing life. So keep on rocking out these crafts for us.
Ahhhwwww Nancy – you’re so kind and clearly a rockstar crafter. I’m glad you found this site and my eclectic collection of projects! I had to take a break from An Inspired Mess for 2 months….but I’m BACK and ready to post some new, fun projects for spring and summer!! Stay tuned, and I’m so glad you stopped by. I appreciate that you understand crafting gets a little messy! That’s why I own a vacuum (and occasionally use it).
What is your method of setting the dye- heat? and using a hot iron-is this a problem with the silk?
Thank you J
Hey Jen – I thought I replied to your questions earlier. I’m so sorry this is a delayed response, and I’m sure you have found a way to heat-set your design. Honestly, the only “setting” I’ve done with these scarves is ironing with a DRY iron (no steam) and using a protective barrier between the scarf and the iron. I usually use a thin tea towel or cotton sheet. I’ve also used paper towels, but I wouldn’t advertise that. Probably not the smartest thing to use, but it totally works.