Have some cheap tights that need updating, or did you dirty up the toes of your white hose? Give your old tights new life with a DIY dye job. This project from the Bust DIY Guide to Life book (buy it here) will add nineties pizazz to your pins.  Make them now, so they’re ready to wear with spring dresses when it gets warmer.  Callie Watts shows you how.

Materials

• White or pale tights (no more than 50 percent polyester)
• Rubber bands
• Black fabric dye (any Dylon dye is good)
• Fuchsia fabric dye (for the option on the left in the picture)
• Old, large pan (you won’t want to use it for cooking again – pound shops have cheap pans)
• Old tongs or a wire hanger

OPTION 1

To create the design on the right in the photo, fold each leg of your tights accordion-style from the toe to the crotch. Pinch the folded material and secure both sides of each stack with rubber bands. In your pot, mix the black dye according to the package instructions and bring it almost to a boil. Submerge your tights for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly with your tongs or hanger to ensure even coverage. Rinse with water (start with warm and finish with cool) until it runs clear. Remove the bands and lay the tights flat to dry.

OPTION 2 

To make the design on the left in the photo, knot your tights wherever you want a stripe. Make the knots on each leg match up if you want the stripes to be even. In your pot, mix the black dye and bring it almost to a boil. Submerge your tights for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring constantly, and rinse clean, as above. Untie any knots where you want a colored stripe. Empty, clean, and rinse in your pot, then mix the fuchsia dye and bring it almost to a boil. Submerge the tights for 30 minutes, stirring constantly, and rinse clean as above. Undo the remaining knots and lay the tights flat to dry.