How to Geode Tie Dye (A beautiful agate effect)

Geode tie dye gives a gorgeous end result well worth the amount of time it takes! So many beautiful options and results!

Tying a geode pattern in your tie dye isn’t too complicated and after a few pointers you will find here, you’ll be set to start your first geode tying project. Remember, practice makes perfect! I’m still learning with each project too!

If you’re interested in tie-dye you can try these other ways of folding your fabric for tie-dye or use simple household items like turmeric for a natural dye option.

I love tie-dye. I write blog post after blog post on how to get different results. But THIS tutorial might be my favorite so far! Although the way you tie is a bit more tedious than other ways of tying, it’s worth it.

I have a step-by-step for you here in photo form, video form, AND a printable option. So I think you’re set up for success. Can’t wait to see your results!

Supplies to Tie Geodes

  • Blanket (or other natural fabric)
  • Dye
  • Soda Ash
  • Sinew
  • A pipe of some sort (I used a copper pipe I had lying around)

How to Tie a Geode Pattern

how to tie geode print tie dye

How to Apply the Dye

This is the DUI (dyed under ice) method. There are several others you can try! Come back soon and I’ll share some of those other ideas as well.

alum is the key to long lasting color

Do not skip this step! Your dye will be extremely muted if you do. Trust me… I know.

sprinkle powder dye

The dye I used – all Jaquard brand:

  • Violet
  • Medium Blue
  • Golden Yellow
  • Teal

All of these colors were part of this set.

ice dye melting

Allow the ice to melt for at least 12 hours.

rinse geode tie dye

This takes quite a while. I rinse it while it’s tied then start untying it as I continue to rinse.

hang dry tie dye

Here’s a shot at the final result. So beautiful!

final geode tie dye result
geode tie dye

Geode Tie Dye

Geode tie dye gives a gorgeous end result well worth the amount of time it takes! So many beautiful options and results!

Materials

  • Blanket (or other natural fabric)
  • Sinew
  • Dye

Tools

  • A pipe of some sort (I used a copper pipe I had laying around)

Instructions

  1. Grab a random area of your fabric and wrap the sinew 3-4 times.
  2. Use your pipe to pull it tight by wrapping it around the pipe and pulling it. Don't pull too hard as you may snap the sinew.
  3. After you have continued to do this with each area, get your fabric wet.
  4. Place your wet fabric in a bowl or cookie sheet. If you'd like more white than color, place a cooling rack on the cookie sheet so that it doesn't soak in the puddle that the ice will leave in the bottom of the sheet.
  5. Sprinkle the alum all over the fabric.
  6. Put your ice on your fabric.
  7. Sprinkle your dye on the fabric. Try to avoid having complimentary colors next to each other. This may cause muddy colors.
  8. Let the ice melt and let it set for at least 12 hours.
  9. Rinse with cold water until water runs clear then untie your fabric and continue to rinse. Then make your water hot to release the rest of the color.
  10. Run it through a quick wash in the washing machine then hang dry.

Recommended Products

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Video of How to Tie a Geode Pattern

I show a more detailed and slowed-down version of the tying process in this video here:

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