So you want to DIY your own tie-dyed clothes? Brilliant! This guide will walk you through all the steps you need to learn how to tie-dye your own beautiful patterns.
There are a few steps to tie-dyeing, so I’ve broken it down to make it as easy as possible for you.
This guide only covers how to tie-dye. I’ll add guides to show you how to ice-dye and how to low-water immersion dye as soon as I can. But the dye, supplies, and fabric are pretty much the same, so feel free to get started.
How to use these tie-dye instructions:
Start with step 1, follow the instructions, then move to the next step at the bottom of each post. Depending on which options you choose you may not need all the steps, so make sure you read carefully.
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Choosing the best dye for tie-dye
Dye is kind of essential to the entire tie-dye process, right?
In this step I give you a quick overview of types of dyes and which dyes NOT to buy.
Then I give you a few good examples of kits and individual dyes that are great for beginners (and pros, actually), plus a quick guide on how to choose your colours and start a great dye stash.
Essential tie-dye supplies
Obviously, you need more than just dye.
This step helps you decide on your essential tie-dye equipment and gives you links to quality but affordable supplies, plus great ideas for upcycling and using what you already own.
Choosing your clothes/fabric
Oh yeah, you need something to tie-dye!
I’ll list the best fabrics and clothes to tie-dye and help you choose the perfect items so you can get great results every time.
11 easy tie-dye patterns for beginners
Which tie-dye patterns are easy for beginners?!
I’ll share the 11 tie-dye patterns that anyone can do well from their first try. Choose your favourites and fold and tie your items, ready to dye!
Mixing and applying dye
Eeek, time to get to the really exciting part – the actual tie-dyeing!
This step shows you how to mix your dye and gives you all the tips and tricks you need to apply the dye evenly.
How to wash tie-dye
Now you’re ready for the big reveal – it’s time to wash your tie-dyes.
I’ll show you how to rinse tie-dye and wash it for the first time so your colours stay crisp and don’t run all over your mum’s handmade quilt.
Have fun! If you need to know anything else about how to tie-dye please just ask and I’ll update the instructions.
As always, I’d LOVE to see what you create with these tutorials! Please tag @dyediyhq on Facebook or Instagram and I’ll check it out and share.
Thank you for breaking it down, as to where I can understand. I’m a beginner. Gonna be an expert by the end of this dye day. LOL…
I’m glad it seems doable to you! Have a few dye sessions and it’ll be automatic before you know it. Have fun!
Hi Kelly,
Loving your site!
Quick question:
Did the hex codes come from measuring the actual colour on the fabric once dyed, from their poster, or from measuring the thumbnails of colours on the Dharmatrading website?
I checked a couple of them using the Digital Colour Meter on macOS because the Cherry and the Periwinkle are the same code in your list, and it turns out that neither of them are the same as in your list. I then checked a few more, and all the ones I compared with Dharma’s site are different.
It’s not a criticism of your work, as the idea is excellent. I just want to ensure accuracy as I’m making my own hobby project based on hex codes of their dyes, so I need to know whether I’m measuring them wrong, f your codes have come from somewhere else, or something else I haven’t thought about.
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Great question, and I’m always happy to improve accuracy!
The codes came from the online Dharma catalogue, using the Canva colour picker. I found I got different numbers with different tools, so did them all with Canva.
I checked and fixed the typo, so Black Cherry and Periwinkle are now updated.
I hope that helps, and if you’re happy to share your project I’m rather curious.
Cheers,
Kelly.