This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and purchase. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support. Read the full disclaimer.
I found a picture that I saved on Pinterest many, many years ago, and immediately decided it was time for an ice-dye experiment.
I’ve tried to find the original post, but it seems like the photo only exists on Pinterest. Unfortunately there are no further instructions and no-one to credit.
So here’s my ice-dye experiment, an attempt to reverse-engineer the above photo by dyeing a bodysuit for myself.
My kids are calling it my baby onesie, but I’ll ignore them. And their newborn crying noises.
I started by soaking the bodysuit in soda ash solution, then I dried it completely. I figured that a dry shirt would wick the dye water better and would leave less white.
I had to guess how much dye and ice to apply. Too much and it would all mix, too little and I’d end up with white stripes! I think I got the ice right.
I loved the colour splitting effect on the original shirt, so I chose dyes that would split. I chose dragonfruit, deep purple, and mermaid’s dream from Dharma Trading. My colours didn’t split much, but I’m wondering if I overdid the dye? Maybe less would work better. Or I could sprinkle a little bit of another colour in with the main one.
I’ll have to try again soon with less dye powder, and also try mixing colours.
That’s the fun of ice-dye experiments – there are so many ways they can go!
What do you think, is it a wearable ice-dye? Or back to the drawing board? Got any other tweaks I can try?
We use Procion dyes, but if you want something a little simpler Tulip tie-dye kits are a great option.
Thanks for watching! We’d love to hear if you decide to try it and DIY your own monochrome tie-dye spiral. Tag @dyediyhq on Instagram or Facebook and we’ll check it out.
I think you’re close to it. I wouldn’t do a straight line but, a little curved. Also, I would put it on an incline so the colors run instead. JMO
Both good ideas! I was going to do curves but it all got a bit unpredictable and straight lines were easier.
Also, I really should have used something more precise to add the dye. It was going everywhere…this whole experiment gave me LOTS Of ideas on how to improve it!