Tie Dye
Each piece comes out different.
Tie-dye involves binding fabric with rubber bands or string, applying dye, and waiting for the color to set. The pattern depends on how you fold and tie before applying color.
It's cheap. A starter kit covers a stack of shirts. It's messy. The dye stains anything it touches. It's a low-stakes craft because failure usually still produces something interesting.
Work outside or in a tub. Wear gloves. Lay down a tarp. The cleanup is more work than the dyeing.
Mess
Embrace the chaos
Dye stains everything. Work outside on a tarp.
Difficulty
Easy to start
Time to first win
A few sessions
You’ll love tie dye if…
- the surprise of how the pattern turns out is part of the fun.
- you want a starter kit that handles many shirts.
- you'd want to do it as a group project.
What you'll need to get started
starter kit
18 Color Tie Dye Kit
Powdered one-step dyes in squeeze bottles, gloves, rubber bands, and a project guide.
$$View on Amazon →
essential
White Cotton T-Shirts
100% cotton holds dye much better than blends. Buy a multi-pack.
$$View on Amazon →
upgrade
White Cotton Tote Bags
Use these white cotton totes to create vibrant tie-dyed carry-alls.
$$$View on Amazon →
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