Tie Dye T-Shirts
Classic tie-dye using rubber bands and fabric dye. Children twist, fold, and bind fabric before applying dye — the bound areas resist the dye to create patterns. Each piece is unique.
Textiles
Ages 6–1160 minsEasyIndividual or small group
Watch on YouTube
Search: "tie dye tutorial kids beginners T shirt spiral fold" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Plain white cotton T-shirts or pillow cases (pre-washed)
- Procion MX or Dylon cold water fabric dyes
- Rubber bands
- Squeeze bottles
- Plastic bags or cling film
- Gloves and aprons (essential)
- Soda ash fixer (or salt solution for Dylon)
How to do it
- Prepare dye according to manufacturer's instructions. Keep colours simple — 2-3 colours to start.
- Soak fabric in soda ash solution for 10 minutes (activates the dye), wring out.
- Choose a fold: spiral (pinch centre, twist, secure with 3 rubber bands), accordion (pleat lengthwise), or scrunch.
- Apply dyes in sections using squeeze bottles — saturate well.
- Wrap in cling film or put in a bag. Leave 6-8 hours (or overnight).
- Rinse under cold water until it runs clear, then warm, then hot.
- Remove rubber bands, rinse again, wash with a little washing liquid.
💡 Tips
Soda ash dramatically improves colour fastness — worth the extra step. Warm the children: the colours look dull when wet and much brighter when dry. Dylon is easier for beginners; Procion MX gives more control.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tie dye books
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T The Shibori Cookbook: Japanese Dye Techniques — Shabd Simon-Alexander
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T Tie Dye: 12 Folds and Techniques — Caitlin Shearer