Looking for tie-dye FAQs? This beginner-friendly guide answers the most common tie-dye questions—from supplies and techniques to color tips and fixes.
Whether you’re brand new to tie-dye or already have a few colorful creations under your belt, this Tie Dye FAQ guide has answers to the most common questions people ask about how to tie-dye. From supplies and techniques to color tips and troubleshooting, I’ve got you covered.
✅ Bookmark this or pin it for later—especially before your next tie-dye project!
🎨 Tie Dye FAQs: Getting Started
1. What do I need to start tie-dyeing?
Basic supplies for liquid dyeing include: dye, fabric (preferably 100% cotton), squeeze bottles, gloves, rubber bands, a surface cover, and possibly soda ash.
Basic supplies for ice dyeing would be the same, but no need for squeeze bottles. You can find all of these things on my Amazon storefront. The dye I prefer to use is from Dharma.
Before you start, make sure you have the right supplies! I put together a full guide to the Best Tie-Dye Supplies I use for every project — check it out here.
2. Do I have to use soda ash?
If you’re using fiber-reactive dyes (like Dharma or Procion), yes—it helps the dye bond to the fabric for brighter, longer-lasting colors. If you have a kit like Tulip or are using Rit, you will not need soda ash, but know that your colors will fade with time. Here’s a video I did showing you what happens if you skip this step.
3. Can I use food coloring or acrylic paint to tie-dye?
Technically, yes—but they won’t be vibrant or permanent. Fabric dyes are made for this and give better results.
4. What fabrics work best for tie-dye?
Natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and hemp. Avoid polyester—it won’t hold color well unless you use specialized dye like Rit Dye-More. Check out all my favorite blanks that I’ve tested and know work on my Amazon storefront.
5. How do I prep fabric before dyeing?
Wash it without fabric softener to remove any coatings. If you’re using soda ash, soak it for 20 minutes at least with 1 cup of soda ash per gallon of water. I also like to use dyer’s detergent from Dharma, but that’s not totally necessary.
🔀 Tie Dye FAQs: Techniques & Methods
6. What’s the difference between ice dyeing and liquid dyeing?
Ice dyeing uses powdered dye sprinkled over or under ice; liquid dye is applied directly. Ice dyeing creates unique blends and textures where liquid dye gives more solid colors.
7. How do I tie a spiral/heart/scrunch/geode?
I’m glad you asked! Here’s my standard scrunch, and here’s my geode tutorial. (Spiral and heart to be posted shortly!)
8. How long should I let the dye sit?
Ideally 24 hours for vibrant colors, especially with fiber-reactive dye. Minimum is about 6–8 hours which is what some tie dye kits recommend. But even with that recommendation, I suggest waiting at least 24 hours. Here’s a post on how long to let dye sit so you can see them compared.
9. Do I need to wrap tie-dye in plastic?
You can to keep it damp while the dye sets. It helps prevent drying out and improves dye bonding. Do I do it? Not really unless I plan to put it outside. I leave most of mine uncovered with no problem.
10. What’s the best method for rinsing out tie-dye?
Rinse in cold water until it runs mostly clear, then hot water with detergent. I have a full rinse-out post here.
💥 Tie Dye FAQs: Troubleshooting & Fixes
11. Why did my colors turn muddy or brown?
Too many colors touching, or mixing opposite colors (like red + green). Use a color wheel! If they’re across each other from a color wheel, I suggest putting white space between the colors.
12. Why is my dye fading after washing?
Not enough soda ash, not letting it sit long enough, or rinsing too soon. Also double check your fiber content. Sometimes you buy things on Amazon or other online stores that claim to be 100% cotton, but the tag might show otherwise.
13. Why did my shirt turn out pastel?
Either not enough dye, not enough time, no soda ash, or it’s polyester. Lots of things can go wrong. If you have a specific issue you’re dealing with, comment below and I’ll help you troubleshoot it (Or DM me on Instagram @storebrandanna)
14. How can I fix a tie-dye mistake?
Overdye it! Add more dye or turn it into a layered design. You can also bleach paint to add contrast. Or you can use a color remover if you really hate it, then redye it that way. I’ve done all of them before, so it just depends on your project!
15. Why are there white spots or streaks?
It depends on what you mean by white spots. Some polyester blend fabrics have threads of undyeable fabric, leaving streaks of white. Sometimes white spots happen because the folds were tight and the dye didn’t reach between them. I personally like this and do it on purpose often! If you’re seeing white speckles, it might be soda ash burn. If you left something soaked in soda ash in the sun, it can sometimes damage the fabric and leave speckles of white. Scrunch methods naturally leave some white too.
🪜 Tie Dye FAQs: Washing & Aftercare
16. How do I wash tie-dye for the first time?
Rinse until clear with cold water, then hot water, rinse with Dawn dish soap, then wash alone in hot water with detergent. Dry separately the first few washes. Here’s a full rinse out tutorial for you.
17. Should I wash tie-dye alone or with other clothes?
Always alone for the first few washes. After that, wash with darks.
18. Can I use detergent when rinsing tie-dye?
Yes! After the initial rinse, detergent helps remove unbonded dye and keeps it from bleeding later. I prefer unscented, so when I sell it, those with sensitivities aren’t affected.
19. How do I make my tie-dye last longer?
Use high-quality dye, soda ash prep, and follow the rinse and wash instructions carefully.
20. How do I prevent tie-dye from bleeding?
Hot water wash after it’s fully set and rinsed, and avoid softeners or bleach. Some people like to boil their item after they’ve rinsed to get even more color out, I find this makes my colors bleed onto each other so I don’t like this method.
🌈 Tie Dye FAQs: Dye & Color Questions
21. What are the best dye colors to start with?
Great beginner picks from Dharma:
- Cobalt Blue
- Better Blue Green
- Power Berry
- Dye-namite
- Daffodil
22. Can I mix dyes to create new colors?
Yes! Mix powders dry or wet, and test swatches to find new combos.
23. What’s the difference between fiber-reactive and all-purpose dye?
Fiber-reactive dyes bond to fabric (vibrant + long-lasting). All-purpose dyes often fade faster because it’s essentially just a stain. Here’s a post where I compared the top tie dye brands with each other.
24. What Dharma colors look best together?
That’s such a hard question because the possibilities are endless. But here’s a video I put together of some inspiration for you.
25. How do I make rainbow or galaxy tie-dye?
Use the full spectrum with intentional placement, and apply in small amounts with blending areas in between.
More Tie Dye Resources
- My Favorite Tie-Dye Supplies on Amazon
- Free eBook: 12 Easy Tie-Dye Folds for Beginners
- Visit My Etsy Shop for Digital Tie-Dye Guides
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Got another tie-dye question I didn’t answer in this FAQ? Drop it in the comments or shoot me a DM on Instagram @storebrandanna!
