What is Tie-dye?

Tie-dye, along with batik and ikat, is a form of what is known as ‘resist-dyeing’. During the process, fabric is twisted, folded or crumpled, and materials such as string, rubber bands or
wax are used to cover or bind the fabric, preventing the dye from penetrating all the fibres. Although it exists in some form or other across the world, each region utilises a variety of techniques to produce fabric designs of varying complexity: shibori, a method that originated in Japan, sometimes uses wood or rope as its ‘resists’; the Indian technique of bandhani involves pinching fabric – often with the help of long, pointed fingernails – into tiny bindings to produce patterns of incredible intricacy.

Tie-dye has surfaced at various points throughout fashion history, but exploded
back onto the scene in the 1990s. It became closely associated with rave culture, its psychedelic style the perfect match for trippy beats. Tie-dye as a home-based craft has also seen a resurgence, with home tie-dye kits can be found for sale on sites like Urban Outfitters and Etsy. There’s no denying that tie-dyeing – along with embroidery, crocheting and
many other crafting activities – offers a form of self-expression and creativity that we have been missing while we’re stuck indoors.

Once you've mastered the basics of tie-dye, there are lots of fun techniques to explore to achieve new patterns and effects! This could be the application of the dye, or an additional treatment added to the pattern to alter the development, for example salt-resist and ice tie-dye! There are some fab tie dye kits on the market and we've listed our favourites below.

Tie-dye Techniques

  • Ombré Tie-dye
  • Bleach Tie-dye
  • Ice Tie-dye
  • Folding Tie-dye
  • Sunburst Tie-dye
  • Salt-Resist Tie-dye
  • Gradual Tie-dye
  • Painting Tie-dye
  • Sponge Tie-dye

Ice tie-dye is set to be a big trend for 2021, check out this amazing video from SoCraftastic showing just how easy it is to achieve this super-cool pattern.

Tie-dye Kits

We round up five kits which cover all the bases for beginners, kid's crafting and more advanced crafters. If you shop around, there are fantastic ranges of eco-friendly tie-dying kits which use natural powders, sustainable packaging and upcycled fabric to dye.

Crafty Jar Company DIY Tie Dye Kit - Etsy £22.95

This eco-friendly kit is the all-in-one option and perfect gift idea to create your first tie-dye shirt! With instructions included, this kit gives you a variety of different design ideas and a choice of colour trios. Order with colour options and T-shirt sizing in mind,

Gifort Tie Dye Kit - Amazon £21.99

This mega-kit is the perfect party piece for a group crafting session! Great value for money, this pack includes 18 Colours of Tie Dye Powder (36 packets), 18 Squeeze Bottles, 100 Rubber Bands, 10 pairs of Gloves, 2 Aprons, 1 Reusable Table Cover, 1 Funnel, and 1 Measuring Spoon; which will enable you to design up to 40 do-it-yourself projects!

Rainbow Natural Dye Kit Bundle - Etsy £44.55

The Indigo Kit is something a little bit different and is a perfect introduction into the beauty and wonder of creating colour from nature. This kit can be used to to dye around 4 metres of lightweight fabric, or around 600g of yarn, light to medium shades of pink, orange, yellow and purple. Small garments or other items can also be used - the choice is yours!

Tulip One Step: Tie Dye Party Kit - The Works £25.99

If you're looking for vibrant colours to dye your projects, then the 18-piece One-Step Dye kit is the best choice for you. With 14 assorted colours supplies and an inspiration guide, this kit is ready for your creativity. Who knew tie dyeing could be this easy?

Anna Joyce Ice Dye Kit - Etsy £36.41+

This trendy kit comes with everything you need to experiment with fiber reactive dyes to create other worldly patterns and stunning, often unexpected colour combinations. The kit also includes suggestions for patterns and tips and tricks for success and a 100% cotton bandanna to get you started!