How To Fold A T-shirt For Tie Dying – Triangle Fold

There are many t-shirt tie-dye designs that start with folding the shirt in what I am calling a triangular fold. This fold makes eight identical triangular sections rotated around a point centred on the front of the t-shirt. The t-shirt is folded in such a way that the left and right sides will be symmetrical, or at least as symmetrical as tie-dyeing allows.

This design clearly shows how the triangle fold partitions the t-shirt. You can see where the centre lies and how the shirt is broken into 8 equal triangular areas. The final design of any t-shirt that uses the triangle fold will depend on how it is tied, rolled, or bound.

This fold is the starting point for a wide range of tie die designs including mandalas, sunburst, flowers, and any other symmetrical circular designs.

Step 1: Fold The Shirt In Half

Fold the shirt so that it is folded in half lengthwise with the back of the shirt pulled out. The sleeves are tucked into each other so that they are dyed the same. Folding it this way will make sure the design is only on the front of the shirt and will help get the left and right sides, including the sleeves, symmetric.

If you are having trouble folding you shirt this way, here is a video that explains it well.

Step 2: Fold Lengthwise

Hold the collar and the point where you want the middle of the design. Normally the middle of the design will sit just below the armpits but you can make it as high or low as you want. Fold the shirt so that the middle front edge lines up. Adjust the sleeves and rest of the shirt so they sit as flat as possible.

Step 3: Fold in half diagonally

Again hold the middle point and collar and fold them over until they line up with the opposite edge forming a triangular shape. Adjust the sleeves and the rest of the shirt so they lie as flat as possible.

Step 4: Flip Shirt & Fold Triangle

Carefully flip the whole shirt and fold the opposite side into a triangle to match the other side.

If you want a design with four symmetrical triangular sections instead of eight you can stop folding now. For more intricate designs, keep folding.

Step 5: Fold A Smaller Triangle

Fold the big triangle in half to make a smaller triangle.

Step 6: Flip & Fold To Match Opposite Side

Carefully flip the t-shirt over and fold the larger triangle in half to match the opposite side.

You are now ready to finish tying your shirt to put the finishing touches to your tie dye design.

Use your t-shirt folded into a triangle to make one of these designs below or make up your own design by tieing it anyway you please.

Easy Two Color Mandala Tie Dye

This is a simplified version of a tie dyed mandala. This design makes a great t-shirt and it teaches all the skills needed to make a more colorful and detailed mandala dye.

Sunburst Tie Dye T-shirt

Tutorial coming soon…