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More than just an emblem of the sixties’ Hippie culture, this art form has actually been around for hundreds of years and is a vital part of many different and unrelated cultures. History has shown that Pre-Columbian Peruvians used tie-dying techniques. There is evidence of a form of tie-dye being a part of Japanese and Indonesian cloth making all the way back to the 8th century, while China and India have tie-dying techniques that date back to the 6th century. Not to be outdone, many African countries have incorporated tie-dying into their clothing to create symbols of plants and animals found in nature and to help identify where a person comes from.
If you’re looking for some family-friendly and historically-influenced crafts to do at home, then you really should consider getting a tie-dye kit. This is a fun activity that everyone can participate in plus it can bring some personality to your wardrobe.
Components to Consider
There are several components of tie-dye kits that should be considered as you look for the best kit for you. As you begin to search for the perfect tie-dye kit for your family craft night, keep the following components in mind:
Bottles
Make sure the kit you purchase includes an applicator bottle so that you are able to tie-dye without a huge mess. If the kit you prefer does not include an applicator bottle, you will need to purchase one separately, unless you are using the ice-dying method.
Color Selection
Check your kit to ensure that it has all the colors you want. While most modern tie-dye kits are geared toward bold and bright primary colors, there are options for more mellow colors, if you prefer those.
Fixer Solution
Kits should come with a fixer solution, usually soda ash, which will help to set the dye colors. If the kit you choose does not include a fixer solution, make sure to check the instructions to find out if you need to purchase this separately or if this type tie-dye does not require a fixer solution at all.
Gloves
If the kit you selected does not come with a pair of gloves, then be sure to get some to keep your hands from getting messy and tie-dyed.
Instructions
Always make sure the directions are included in the kit and are easy for you to follow.
Price Range
Look for kits that offer all the features and components that you prefer without going over budget.
Rubber Bands
You will need rubber bands or something to tie the fabric in knots as you dye it, so make sure that the kit includes a few or you have some on hand.
The Best Kits on the Market
We will use the above components to search for the best kits on the market and why they will be a good fit for you and your family. Remember, we are looking for tie-dye kits that feature the following:
- The right price
- A great color selection
- Good instructions
- Ingredients and tools (dye, rubber bands, gloves, etc.)
The Best Budget Tie-Dye Kit
Emooqi Store Tie Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
This kit offers crafters the ability to transform numerous items into fun and colorful pieces of art with very little cost. With a kit like this one, you will enjoy the process of tie-dyeing because it includes everything you need, but the fabric, and it has extensive but easy-to-follow instructions.
Pros
- Includes 8 different colors of dye
- Includes 16 bags of different colored pigment
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes protective gloves
- Includes a table cover
- Kid-friendly
- Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- None
The Best Eco-friendly Tie-Dye Kit
Kazahana Dyehouse Tie-Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
This is a great for those who are concerned about the environment and for those who have decided to live a Vegan lifestyle. It offers so many color variations that no one will go away unsatisfied after using it.
Pros
- Vegan
- Eco-friendly
- Comes in three different color palettes
- Includes non-toxic dyes
- Can be used for ice-dyeing as well
- Each kit has enough dye for 10 meters of fabric
- Each kit is individually packaged so customization is possible
Cons
- Not recommended for use on synthetic fibers
The Best Natural Tie-Dye Kit
Natural Dye Kit Bundle
Why Pick This Kit
This kit is a great way to experiment with natural dyes. This is actually four kits in one since it includes an Indigo Kit, a Clay Resist Kit, a Natural Dye Kit, and an Indigo Block printing Kit. Users will be pleased with the color palette provided by these natural dye kits and how easy they are to use.
Pros
- 4-in-1 kit
- Each kit has a list of its own ingredients and easy to follow instructions
- Seller also offers stencils and fabric for purchase at their shop
- Sale price offered when all four kits are purchased together
- Can be purchased in installments if you qualify
- Shipping is free
- Returns and exchanges are accepted
- Handmade
Cons
- It is an expensive kit
The Best Pastel Color Tie-Dye Kit
Pastel Tie-Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
If you prefer colors that are softer, then you might want to choose this kit. It will give you the option to tie-dye in baby blue, soft pink, and springtime purple. You’re going to love the different shades provided in this kit.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Includes gloves
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes an easy-to-follow guide
- Includes refill packets
- Kid-friendly
Cons
- None
The Best Reverse Color Tie-Dye Kit
Tulip One Step Tie-Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
Perhaps you want to tie-dye a piece of colored fabric. Well, you will need a kit like this one in order to do so. This offers crafters the ability to remove or fade colors that are already a part of the fabric they are using. It makes great designs and unique patterns.
Pros
- Includes an easy-to-follow guide
- Reasonably priced
- Can be used on any color of fabric
- Include gloves
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes bottles
Cons
- Should not be used without adult supervision
The Best Spray Tie-Dye Kit
SEI Tumble Dye Tie-Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
This type of tie-dye kit offers crafters an even easier way to tie-dye fabric. There’s no need to mix colors or soak fabric in tubs of water. With this kit, you simply spray the colors onto the fabric and throw it in a machine dryer to set the dye.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with 4 different colors
- Ready to use out of the box
- No soaking or washing required
Cons
- Does not include gloves
- Does not include rubber bands
The Best Tie-Dye Kit for a Group
Tie-Dye Party Kit
Why Pick This Kit
For fun with your group, get this kit and start being creative. This kit has everything you need for a fun party activity or just something to do on a free evening with your besties.
Pros
- Kid-friendly with supervision (best for teenagers)
- Kit will make up to 36 projects
- Includes 14 different colors
- Includes a table cover
- Includes gloves
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes instructions
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Low stock
The Best Tie-Dye Kit for Gifting
Tie-Dye Gift Box
Why Pick This Kit
If you have a bestie or a loved one who is all about crafts and being creative, this is the kit you need to gift them. This set offers you the ability to celebrate the creative life of your favorite people by providing them a little box of crafting joy.
Pros
- Packaged in recyclable materials
- Includes 3 colors
- Includes gloves
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes socks, scrunchies, and a t-shirt for tie-dyeing
- Includes easy to follow instructions
- Eco-friendly
- Handmade
- Can include a personalized note
Cons
- None
The Best Tie-Dye Kit for Kids
Patifeed Tie-Dye Kit for Kids
Why Pick This Kit
If you need something for one creative minded kid or a half a dozen, this is the kit for you. This kit offers crafters a wide variety of colors and ideas for creative projects. No one is going to get bored with this kit in the house.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Designed for kids
- Includes 20 different colors
- Includes squeeze bottles
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes funnels and spoons for mixing colors
- Includes gloves
- Includes aprons
- Includes an easy to read and reference user’s manual
- Includes socks, backpack, and a t-shirt for dyeing
- Safe for contact with skin
Cons
- None
The Best Tie-Dye Kit Overall
ReTan GA Store Tie Dye Kit
Why Pick This Kit
This kit offers it all. Crafters will want to enjoy the wide variety of colors available in this kit along with all the other amenities that come with it.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Includes 35 different colors
- Includes rubber bands
- Includes gloves
- Includes table covers
- Includes instructions
- Does not require soaking in soda ash to set the colors
- Comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- No need to measure mixes
Cons
- None
FAQs
Question: What Is The Difference Between Ice Dyeing and Tie Dyeing?
Answer: These are both fun and creative ways to dye fabric, but the difference between them is the technique used to do the dyeing and, of course, the outcome. Here is the basic rundown of how these two dyeing techniques differ:
– Tie-dyeing requires the powdered dye to be measured and mixed with water; Ice Dyeing does not require that the powdered dye be mixed with any liquid.
– Tie-dyeing requires the use of a squeeze bottle to apply the dye to the fabric; Ice Dyeing does not need a squeeze bottle to apply the dye to the fabric.
– Tie-Dyeing produces a bullseye look when bound into a knot; Ice Dyeing will produce a geode look rather than a bullseye look using this same bound knot.
– Tie-dyeing requires that the fabric soak in water and dye for a period of time; Ice Dyeing requires that the fabric be set under a pile of ice with powdered dye sprinkled either on top of the ice (this order can also be reversed so that the powdered dye is under the ice and directly on top of the fabric).
Question: What Are the Benefits of Ice Dyeing?
Answer:
– Ice Dyeing allows the color in the powdered dyes a chance to split into all the color possibilities. Some crafters have likened Ice Dyeing to painting fabric with watercolors.
– Ice Dyeing allows crafters to save time by not requiring them to measure and mix colors.
– Ice Dyeing allows crafters to save money and crafting supplies by requiring less powdered dye per project than a traditional tie-dye project.
– Ice Dyeing does not require that a project be soaked in soda ash to set the colors. Soda ash can actually be added directly to the powdered dye.
For a great selection of Ice-Dye powder, visit the Wax ON Studio store.
Question: What Items Can be Tie-Dyed?
Answer: Practically anything can be tie-dyed if you want it to be. Some of the most popular items are t-shirts, socks, hair ties, backpacks, shoes, napkins, curtain, aprons, and pillowcases. If you need some inspiration for your tie-dye party, check out these great options available on Amazon.
Question: How Do You Set Up for Tie-Dyeing?
Answer: When you get ready to tie-dye, be sure to take some time to set up properly. This will save you time and frustration in the future. Here are some steps that will make everything easier during your tie-dyeing time:
– Gather all your supplies in one place.
– Check to make sure you have the colors you need for your project.
– Check to make sure you have gloves, rubber bands, table covers, squirt bottles, access to running water, and the items you plan to dye.
– Cover all surfaces that you don’t want to damage.
– Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dyes on.
– Set out the kit’s instructions and read through them before beginning.
Have fun!
Question: Can Colored Fabric be Tie-Dyed?
Answer: Yes, but this would be considered reverse color tie-dyeing since the chemicals are actually removing or fading out the color of the fabric.
In Conclusion
Tie-dyeing is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with your entire family. Now that you know what types of kits are available online and what to look for in a tie-dying kit, you can start planning an exciting activity around this creative hobby.
If you’re excited about crafting with your friends and family, you are going to love all the wonderful ideas and guides available at Craft & Stitch. This website is specifically designed to help crafters find new projects, get helpful tips for their current projects, and discover great crafting tools and materials to make their projects even better. Stop by and browse our guides and articles the next time you need a little inspiration.
Research Citations
Find more helpful crafting guides in the links below: