Tie-dyeing has made a huge comeback and can be spotted all over social media. It's a classy, unique fashion statement, and something you can do yourself. You, too, can get those groovy spiral, kaleidoscope, shibori, or stripes into your shirts at a fraction of the cost. All you need is some creativity, patience, willingness to get your hands dirty, a target canvas, and of course, a tie-dye kit.
We've picked out the best tie-dye kits available online and even added a buying guide in case you want to make this hobby into a full-blown craft and start dyeing anything white in your closet. For both beginners and advanced dyers alike, we recommend Tulip's One-Step Tie-Dye Kit, which comes with everything you need to get started. Keep reading to see the rest of our list!
Quick List - Top Tie Dye Kits
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Tie-dyeing may be something new for you, leaving you with no clue as to which dye to get. Or maybe you're an experienced tie-dyer and currently on the lookout for new concepts in the field. Either way, our buying guide will help you pick out the most fitting tie-dye kit for your requirements.
Gone are the days when tie-dyes came in simple bottles of red, blue, and yellow and included a lot of mixing, waiting, testing, and more. Today, they come in many specific shades to choose from. You can even begin tie-dyeing with one simple step! Let's take a look at the different kinds of kits out there.
A trend in tie-dye kits is a kind that only requires the step of adding water. The dyes come pretreated and are ready to be applied to fabric after being thoroughly mixed with water. A one-step kit means no more presoaking the fabric in soda ash before dyeing.
The main selling point of these kits is simplicity and ease of use that makes them a fan favorite. They often come in a wide variety of shades to cater to all preferences. The only thing missing with this kit is the blank canvas to work on.
If you aren't looking to make rainbow-colored shirts, then perhaps a tie-dye kit with only one color is what you need. There's something so soothing about a plain white hoodie lightly dyed an indigo or baby pink shade. You get more control, so to speak, with a kit that only has one color.
There's also less margin of error just in case the overlapping of colors doesn't go too well. It's nice to know that beginners can dip their foot into tie-dyeing one shade at a time. If you're a pro in the craft, experimenting with specific pigments means achieving more focused designs.
Typical tie-dyeing usually involves prepping the fabric, tying certain parts to achieve a design, soaking it in dye, and washing.
Ice-dyeing, on the other hand, is a bit cooler (literally). It's a technique that involves ice. Instead of soaking your textile in wet dye, you lay it under a pile of ice or snow and pour fiber-reactive dye powder on top.
As the ice melts, the dye dissolves into the liquid and attaches to the fabric, achieving "splashy" and "swooshy" patterns, unlike the conventional technique. This method has made those intimidated at the idea of tie-dyeing fall absolutely in love with the practice because of how easy and fun it was.
Not all tie-dye kits are created equal. While some come with all the materials you would need, do give the package inclusions a look over to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
Of course, no one is stopping you from branching out on your own and experimenting with different textures, tools, and materials and their effect on the overall design!
The best kits often come with all the materials you need, such as rubber bands, gloves, and dye. All that's left to provide is your blank canvas and buckets or tubs. If you don't already have blank garments. you can also get a bundle dye kit that comes with pretreated fabric, like scrunchies, socks, bags, and more.
If you want to purchase individual bottles of dye but still need other equipment, you can usually find kits without the dye. These include all of the other necessary materials for tie-dying, like an apron, rubber bands, gloves, plastic bags, and more.
As mentioned earlier, the sky is the limit when it comes to designing your tie-dye masterpiece.
Aside from a kit requiring extra materials such as garbage bags, mixing containers, or a sealed bag for setting, you can experiment with different nozzles when applying the dye. Squeeze or spray bottles achieve different results while adding some cotton swab magic smudges the dye for a more painted effect.
You might have the dye in hand and are psyched to get started. To save you the trouble of untying your shirt and getting shocked at the failed attempt for using acid wash dye on polyester, we've broken down which type of dye works best on a particular fabric.
Fiber-reactive dye is a type of dye that reacts directly with fabric at an alkaline, or high, pH, making it permanent and able to withstand many washes without fading. It works best with cellulose plant fibers such as the ones found in cotton, linen, rayon, and hemp. Fiber-reactive dye is used with ice dyeing because of its potency.
Acid dyes, on the other hand, react with protein-based fibers such as silk, wool, feathers, nylon, and polyamide fiber at acidic, or low pH, hence the name. They're relatively safe and straightforward to use, like fiber-reactive dyes.
For acid wash dyes, you will need to mix the solution with an acid, typically vinegar or citric acid, for it to work.
Another common type of dye is vat dye which is insoluble in water in its unreduced form, which means it must be chemically reduced before being used on fabric.
You heat the dye in a highly basic solution of sodium carbonate (caustic potash) or sodium hydroxide (lye) mixed with a reducing agent such as sodium hydrosulfite or thiourea dioxide to prepare the dye for binding with fabric.
Vat dyes, especially indigo ones, must be treated through "soaping" to remove excess unfixed dye left on the surface and get excellent fastness. You can soap with a large amount of water or through the use of a soaping agent purchasable online.
As we've become more aware of the ingredients and composition of everything we consume or use, tie-dyes have gone through the same scrutiny and now come in organic, all-natural versions. However, do note that all-natural doesn't necessarily mean everything in it is still good for you. Make sure to take a look at the full ingredients list before purchasing a dye.
Some dyes are all-natural and organic and use dyes from vegetables or plants to get a particular color. Beets for purplish red, spinach for green, or turmeric for yellow are a few examples. You'll often need vinegar to set the product in an all-natural tie-dye.
Soda ash is another ingredient in tie-dyes that is often classified as "non-toxic" but could cause irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat with direct contact. The chemical is used to activate dyes and set them in a piece of fabric. Do remember to wear gloves and goggles as an added precaution.
For those expecting a clean and mess-free tie-dye experience, let us be the first ones to say that is highly unlikely. Besides, the mess, inked hands and all, is all part of the fun.
It's the kind of activity you do outdoors in the backyard with the whole family involved. With that said, your tie-dye ink should be washable in case it gets anywhere but the fabrics.
Easy cleanup is another plus to look for on the label. There are kits that come with the right plastic bags or containers for a less messy process. You can also go for spray-type dyes which make more mess but yield cool designs, so this requires more free space for the particles to roam freely.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit | ![]() | The One-Step Tie-Dye Kit for Loads of Summer Fun | |
2 | Vanstek 24 Color Tie Dye DIY Kit | ![]() | Almost Everything You Need for Ultra-Colorful DIY Tie-Dye | |
3 | Procion Cold Water Dye | ![]() | The Must-Have Cold Water Dye | |
4 | S.E.I Spring Tie-Dye Kit | ![]() | Ready-to-Use Spray Bottle Dyes | |
5 | Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Party Kit | ![]() | Get Ready for a Tie-Dye Party | |
6 | Jacquard Indigo Tie Dye Kit | ![]() | An Indigo Tie-Dye Kit With a Long-Lasting Dye Bath | |
7 | Just My Style Magical Unicorn Tie-Dye Kit | ![]() | Pink, Blue, and Yellow for Unicorn Vibes | |
8 | Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye | ![]() | The Classic All-Purpose Liquid Dye | |
9 | Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Shibori Kit | ![]() | A Quick and Easy Shibori-Style Kit | |
10 | Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye | ![]() | Liquid Dye to Tie-Dye Synthetics |
Tulip's one-step process requires only adding water and you're set to go: no need to treat, pre-soak, or heat any dye or material. You get five easy-squeeze bottles and enough dye for multiple projects. The kit includes all the supplies you'll need and even comes with a technique guide showcasing eight tie-dye looks to try.
A handful of reviewers said the colors came out faded. Others mentioned that they weren't able to get the advertised "30 shirts" capacity. Still, the vast majority of reviewers said this kit was easy to use and gave them vibrant results. They liked that it comes with two packets of dye in each color so they can repeat the project again.
This is one of the most complete tie-dye kits on the market. It comes with 10 pairs of plastic gloves, 120 rubber bands, 10 plastic films, two plastic table covers, and 24 vibrant shades of dye. It's perfect for the whole family or extended solo use. It also has an easy-to-follow guide for beginners.
Some reviewers didn't receive instructions on how to mix the dye. Others said there wasn't enough dye for their needs. On the other hand, many loved that the kit came with everything they needed and could accommodate a large group. The colors were bright enough and stayed intact through frequent washing.
Cold-water dyes are fixed chemically instead of being set with heat. They're ideal for ice dyeing, shibori, or low water immersion dyeing. They're highly reactive to fiber, leaving you with a permanent and fast-clinging solution. This kit contains eight shades and should be used with adult supervision.
A few reviewers noted that the black dye looks gray and recommended using double the amount of dye for a true black. Overall, many reviewers loved this kit because of the ultra-bright and permanent masterpieces it can create. Use on tees, shoes, and other applicable fabric to get spectacular designs each time!
Unlike other tie-dye kits that need water or other steps before use, this one ready to use. All you need to do is shake the pre-mixed solution, tie your target cloth, and spray. The solution is water-based and non-toxic meaning it's easy to clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Each pack makes six to 12 gorgeous projects.
Some reviewers didn't like the spray bottles, saying that they're hard to control or don't spray enough dye to penetrate the fabric. Still, many liked how easy to use this kit is, especially for children. Adults appreciated the low amount of mess it creates and said that the dye comes out bright and colorful.
If you're planning a tie-dye party, this kit includes enough supplies for a party of five. It comes with 15 easy-to-squeeze bottles, non-toxic dyes, and the easy-peasy process of needing to add only water. With gloves, 75 rubber bands, and a project guide included, you can make spirals, stripes, and other designs on T-shirts and more.
Bottle leakage was a frequent comment among reviewers, as well as the color fading in the wash. Reviewers also warned that this kit is messy! Still, most reviewers said this kit is perfect for groups of kids, with a good selection of bright colors. They said it was easy to use and a lot of fun for both kids and their parents.
This kit has everything you need, such as the reducing agent, gloves, rubber bands, wood blocks, real indigo dye, and a cultural overview of the traditional practice. All you need is the fabric and a tub and you can dye up to 15 yards, 15 T-shirts, or five pounds of material. What's more: the dye bath lasts for several weeks.
Reviewers noted that this tie-dyeing process requires more steps such as pre-washing, reducing, treating, and carefully setting. The outcome, however, was stunning! Reviewers said this kit works wonderfully for shibori. They found the instructions to be easy to follow and said the dye in this kit goes a long way.
If you have a hard time choosing color combos for your tie-dye, this unicorn set comes with three colors that look magical together. There's even a unicorn iron-on decal! Just add water to the dye bottles; gloves and rubber bands are provided. These kits also come in other color combos, like Mer-mazing and Neon Tropics.
A couple of reviewers noted that the decal was hard to apply. Others complained that the dye faded in the wash. On the other hand, most reviewers loved using this kit, either on their own or with children. They said the provided colors complimented each other well and they enjoyed the soft pastel look.
Whether you're rejuvenating washed-out fabrics or want to try tie-dyeing, this dye from Rit is a must-have. It comes in a number of shades that can be mixed and matched however you please. Use it on wood, wicker, or paper, or try a new fabric technique like ombre, dip-dyeing, or shibori.
Some reviewers complained that the shades came out too light, too dark, or uneven. However, those who used it specifically for tie-dye said it worked quite well. They liked that they could add the dye to a bottle and then dilute it with water to get the right amount of brightness
Get the shibori look with this one-step kit from Tulip. It contains three bottles of dye in light blue, gray, and indigo, as well as gloves, twine, zip ties, and rubber bands. The included inspiration guide will walk you through four shibori binding techniques, or you can use this dye for classic tie-dye designs.
A handful of reviewers complained that the dye faded in the wash. On the other hand, many reviewers were pleased with this kit, saying it was easy to use and provided clear instructions. They liked the natural, more understated color combination, and found that it held up well once set.
Most tie-dye kits are intended for use on natural materials, but what if you want to dye polyester or nylon? Rit's DyeMore Liquid Dye is the answer to your problems! This dye is ideal for any fabric that's 35 percent synthetic or more. Note that it does require heat and should be done in a stainless steel pot on the stove.
Some reviewers warned that using this dye is a time-consuming process. Others said that solid colors may come out patchy. However, reviewers who used this dye for tie-dye were generally pleased with the results. They said it was easy to tie up their fabric then boil it as directed. Many were pleased with the rich color left behind.
Here are a few tips to getting the best out of your tie-dye experience with more fun and less stress. We know how exciting the concept is, but before you go looking for the first white or plain fabric lying around the house, consider the following tips to avoid unnecessary surprises.
Polyester has surprised and disappointed many first-time tie-dyers because it is tough to dye. It's a synthetic fabric made from petroleum which makes it essentially a plastic material and very hard for the dye to react and stick to.
If you're dead-set on dyeing a synthetic or polyester fabric, ensure that the ink is specially designed for it.
When you're working with powder dye, always add the powder first to an empty spray or squeeze bottle before the water. Remember to shake well until the solution is fully dissolved. For best results, don't let the watered-down dye sit and use within 30 minutes of mixing.
Setting is an aspect of tie-dyeing that often gets messed up. The rule of thumb is to keep the fabric wet in a sealed plastic bag for at least 12 to 24 hours. You can set it by fully air-drying, soaking, heating, or using additives, depending on the dye instructions.
An added pro tip is using vinegar to lock in the colors. Fill a bucket with one to two cups of white vinegar and cool water, leaving a few inches on top for your garment. Soak it for 30 minutes or so then wring it out.
Cut your rubber bands carefully to avoid tearing your material, and rinse by hand first with cold water. You can also wash your tie-dyed cloth in the washing machine with cold water, a half cup of table salt, and one cup of white vinegar for further setting and safe initial washing.
When it comes to tie-dye designs, some people like the random scrunch method, while others take a more structured approach. If you're looking for some inspiration, check out this video from Handimania containing tutorials for six different tie-dye patterns.
If you're an arts and crafts lover, check out these other great articles for solo and group activities for all ages!
No. 1: Tulip|One-Step Tie-Dye Kit
No. 2: Vanstek|24 Color Tie Dye DIY Kit
No. 3: Procion|Cold Water Dye
No. 4: S.E.I|Spring Tie-Dye Kit
No. 5: Tulip|One-Step Tie-Dye Party Kit
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