Ice Dye Step-by-Step Tutorial

Get ready to transform a boring shirt into a stunning work of wearable art! Ice dyeing is a fun and creative process that’s as exciting as it is unpredictable—no two pieces ever turn out the same. Using just a few simple materials and the magic of melting ice, you’ll create vibrant, one-of-a-kind patterns that look like they belong in a gallery. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or trying this for the first time, this step-by-step guide will make the process easy, fun, and oh-so-rewarding.

Supplies:

  • Slash or Dye Ice Dye Kit.
  • 1 adult t-shirt or 2 kids t-shirts 100% cotton shirt in white.
  • Enough ice to cover the surface of the shirt you are dyeing.
  • A cooling rack or raised grated surface that will allow the ice to run off as it melts.
  • A container to place the rack in as the dye cures.
  • Optional and recommended: safety glasses, gloves, mask or respirator.

Step 1

Wash Your Shirt

First, you want to wash your shirt to remove any manufacturing finishes that could prevent the dye from fixing to the fabric.

Step 2

Prepare Your Work Area

Place the rack in a tub, washing basin or bucket to catch the run off as it melts. NOTE: the dye will stain plastic, please use a stain resistant container.

Make sure there’s enough space under the rack for melted ice to runoff and collect. The shirt should not be resting in the runoff as it cures, you want it elevated.

Step 3

Prepare and Ice the shirt

Dampen the shirt so it is slightly wet, this will help the dye flow through the fabric. Scrunch and gather the shirt into a round flat form resembling the shape of a pizza.

Tip: creating lots of scrunching and creasing will provide more interest in the pattern of your end result. And if desired, use rubber bands to hold the fabric into place.

Now cover the entire surface of your shirt with a layer of ice cubes.

Step 4

Apply the Dye and Soda Ash

Use the provided spoon to sprinkle the dye onto the ice. Apply both colors in various areas over the ice, the more dye you add the more saturated the color and too much dye could have a “muddy” outcome. And remember layering colors will result in the creation of new colors.

Tip: to prevent color transfer, make sure to clean the spoon between colors.

Next, add the soda ash, this will chemically bond the color to the cotton fiber in the shirt.

Step 5

Cure the Dye

Now let the ice melt, as it melts the liquid will pull the dye and soda ash organically through the scrunches and creases of the shirt.

To properly cure and for best color results and longevity, leave in a warm room for 24 hours.

Step 6

Rinse and Wash

After 24 hours, rinse the shirt under running water; first in warm water to remove the excess dye. Once the water begins to run clear, use cold water to stop the dyeing process.

Wash the shirt in 30 degrees and mild detergent and tumble dry warm to hot. The heat from the drying process will help heat seal the color. If a dyer is unavailable, line dry and iron the shirt on the cotton setting.

Step 7

Wear and Smile

Enjoy your stunning one of a kind work of wearable art!

Optional Step

Test Swatch First

If you would like to test this ice dyeing technique prior to applying it to a shirt use the swatch of fabric that came with the ice dye kit. Follow the same steps above but on a smaller scale. Use a jar, a glass, or even red cups rather than a tub or basin.

Tip: it has been proven that vinegar does not provide any benefits to the colorfastness of the dye. It is not recommended to wash in vinegar once you have dyed your shirt. The soda ash and following the above steps will prevent the color from bleeding or fading.