How to Tie Dye Shoelaces

By: Michelle Ullman

Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

Though expressions like groovy and far out lost popularity decades ago, the colorful, retro flair of tie-dye has timeless appeal. A pair of tie-dyed shoelaces is enough to liven up a pair of sneakers without overwhelming your outfit and a whimsical way to express your individual style. Whether you want an entire rainbow on your feet, or just a couple of colors, start with 100 percent white cotton laces for the best results.

Step 1

Lay plastic bags or newspapers over your work area to protect against spills.

Step 2

Wet the shoelaces in clean water, then squeeze out excess moisture. This aids in color absorption.

Step 3

Tie loose knots in the shoelaces every inch or so or cinch loops in the laces at 1-inch intervals with rubber bands. Set laces aside.

Step 4

Put on rubber gloves to keep your skin and fingernails free of dye.

Step 5

Mix each color of dye in a separate container. Start with a 50/50 mix of water and food color, dye, or fabric paint; 1 tablespoon of each should be sufficient. If the resulting color is too light, add more color; if too dark, add more water.