How to tie-dye any fabric, plus 6 fun patterns to try
Tie-dying is a fun and easy craft that can help liven up any textile, from shirts to pillows. Lea Scaddan/Getty Images
Tie-dye involves folding or crumpling fabric with string or rubber bands to create patterns with dyes.
Tie-dying gets messy, so make sure to wear gloves and use a plastic drop cloth.
There are endless ways to experiment with colors, patterns, and fabrics when tie-dying.
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If you're looking for a way to bring new life to clothes and other textiles, tie-dye is an easy and fun, all-ages activity.
Tie-dye is a form of resist-dyeing, where "resists"— in this case, rubber bands or string — prevent the fabric from being dyed all over. Tie-dye traditions date back to the 6th century and can be found in many cultures around the world. For some inspiration, check out Japanese shibori, Indian Bandhani, and Nigerian Adire.
"I always tell my friends who come over to do tie-dye, just have fun with it," says Ashley Meier of Golden Terra Co., an LA-based shop specializing in custom tie-dye. "There's no wrong way to do it. At the end of the day, it is a form of art."
Because there are so many variables to play around with, like folding patterns, colors, and styles, tie-dye is an exciting way to make unique creations that are easy and ready to wear in less than a day.
Tie-dye patterns
Insider Spiral
Pinch the center of a shirt, and twirl the pinched fabric until all of the fabric becomes a semi-tight pinwheel (it should look like a puck). Place rubber bands across the item, making slices, like a pizza. Dye each wedge, continuing the color on the back. You can make each wedge a different color, make every two wedges the same color, or use the same color for the entire item.
Crumple
Loosely crumple your item into a puck, then loosely secure it with rubber bands. Apply your dye(s) freely on the front and back. Be aware that colors will blend when dying with multiple colors: you can test your dye combination on a piece of scrap fabric to ensure you like their mixed color.
Stripes
Fold your item with an accordion-fold, folding over and under. If you want horizontal stripes, gather fabric starting from one side. For vertical stripes, fold from the bottom or top. You'll have a long block. Tie rubber bands along the length of the block. The farther apart your binds, the larger your stripes will be. Dye each section in alternating colors to create stripes.
Accordion
Accordion-fold your item horizontally, until you've formed a long strip. Then, loosely repeat the folding pattern vertically, until your item forms a compact rectangular brick. Bind the brick with horizontal and vertical rubber bands, like a tic-tac-toe grid.
Ice dye
Crumple your item, secure it with rubber bands, and place it on a wire rack. Cover your project with ice cubes, then sprinkle unmixed dye powder directly onto the ice. As the ice melts, it activates the dye and creates a colorful watercolor effect.
How to reverse dye
Reverse tie-dye your shirt by lifting pigment from darker colored fabric using bleach instead of dye. This can be done in any of the patterns above.
Using a 50-50 mixture of bleach and water, cut the 6-8 hour wait time down to a maximum of 30 minutes. But be sure to keep an eye on it: if left on too long, bleach can eat away at your fabric.
For a colorful effect, leave your item bound during the rinse and tie-dye the bleached areas. "I definitely think the reverse tie-dye is beginner-friendly," says Meier.
What else can you tie-dye?
You can also tie-dye other textiles such as linens and pillows. Anastasia Dobrusina/Getty Images
Dish towels: Tie-dying plain dish towels is an easy way to give your kitchen a colorful update and a fun way to test out new tie-dye techniques. Plus, they make a great housewarming gift.
Socks: Cotton socks are a budget-friendly way to experiment with different colors, patterns, and dye techniques. Add a pop of color to your outfit with on-trend tie-dye statement socks.
Baby clothes: Whether you're hosting a baby shower, sending a gift to new parents, or preparing for your own newborn, tie-dyeing baby clothes is a memorable activity that's great for groups and kids. Plus, it's a clever trick for hiding stains.
Pillows & linens: Dyeing your decor with a single color is a fun, tasteful way to elevate your space on a budget. Try dyeing curtains, throw pillows, or sheets.
Thrift store finds: If you're making a day of tie-dyeing, dig through the thrift store. T-shirts (try one with a screen-printed design), button-downs, and sundresses make great canvases, and they don't have to just be black or white. Reverse tie-dye darker fabrics and experiment with colors on lighter colored fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous spot to see how your colors will appear. Just make sure your finds are primarily made from natural fibers, like cotton, rayon, and silk.
Insider's takeaway
Tie-dye is a fun and simple project that's great to try solo, at your next date night, or for a memorable kid's party. With easy-to-use kits available at most craft stores, setting up a tie-dye station takes less than thirty minutes. Be careful, as tie-dyeing can get messy. Be sure to wear gloves, work outside, and protect your workspace. No two projects will come out the same when tie-dying, so feel empowered to experiment and try unique patterns — there's no wrong way to tie-dye.
