How To Ice Dye

We are excited to announce (to all of you Gen X-ers and Millennials) that…. Tie-Dye is BACK! Follow along on this SUPER EASY method for Ice Dyeing that is sure to bust the heat and boredom this Summer.

This can be a little bit of a messy process so find an area where you can make a mess – and it is a great OUTSIDE project too.

GATHER SUPPLIES:

• Fabric – natural fibers or high count of those fibers (linen, cotton, hemp, etc.)

• Powdered Dye – RIT or Tulip brands are easy to find – or get fiber reactive dyes

• Salt

• Metal rack or sheet

• Tub to drain (rack should be larger than tub)

• Ice (any kind)

• Towels

• Spray bottle of water (optional)

PREPARE YOUR FABRIC:

• Wash fabric to remove sizing (don’t use any fabric softeners or additives)

• Soak clean fabric in hot salty water (this helps fabric absorb dye better)

• Wring out fabric

ICE DYE PROCESS:

• Place rack over tub so dye and ice will drain into tub

• Place towels under tub or around the edges to catch any extra dye that melts

• Scrunch up, roll, or fold damp fabric however you prefer and place on rack over tub

• Cover all fabric completely with ice

• Sprinkle or spoon dye powder over ice – use generous amount and think about how colors will blend as you place

• Let ice melt completely (you can spray with water every now and then to assist dye in dissolving but it’s not necessary)

• Let fabric sit to drain at LEAST 8 hours but HIGHLY recommend leaving overnight or 24 hours for best results. We let some sit 8 hours and it was very pale when complete.

• Rinse fabric in warm/hot water until water runs clear

• Run through a cold rinse cycle in washer (add a rag or old towel to remove any extra dye)

• Dry as normal