The 12 Best Tie Dye Kits and Supplies
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Looking to get into tie dying but don’t know where to start? Check out our list of the 10 best tie-dye kits for beginners and experienced tie-dyers alike! These kits come with everything you need to get started. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dyer, there’s sure to be a kit on this list that’s perfect for you!
Ready to try tie-dye? The first thing you need is a good tie-dye kit. But with so many kits on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best tie-dye kits – with options for beginners and experienced dyers alike!
This article will help you choose the best tie-dye kit for your next product. We’ll cover:
- What to look for in a tie-dye kit
- The best kits for beginners
- The best kits for parties and large groups
- The best kits for experienced dyers
- How to get started with tie-dying, and more.
Tip: If you’re just getting started with tie-dye, you might want to start with this How to Tie Dye Guide, and then look at all the cool tie-dye patterns on this list of 17+ Tie Dye Patterns and Folding Techniques.
Best Tie Dye Kits in Each Category
Before we move on to the review, here are my top picks for the best tie-dye kits in each category. Scroll down to see more information about each of these kits below.
What to Look for in a Tie-Dye Kit
As you might have guessed, not all tie-dye kits are the same. Here are some things to look for when choosing a kit:
- The type of dye included. The best type of dye to use for tie-dye projects is called fiber reactive dye. This type of dye is much brighter, longer-lasting, and easier to use than other all-purpose dyes. It is formulated to work in cold water with natural fibers like cotton and linen.
- The number of dye colors included. Most kits come with between six and twelve colors, but some have more, and some have less. Kits often feature a range of primary colors – but some have special color schemes like neons, pastels, galaxy-inspired shades, and neutrals. The good news is that most tie-dye colors are mixable, so you can combine different dye colors to create your own custom colors.
- The amount of dye included. Most kits come with enough dye to make at least five projects, but some contain enough dye to make up to 30 projects. Check the kit description for specific information. And if you’re not sure how much dye you’ll need, it’s better to err on the side of too much rather than too little.
- What additional supplies are included. Most kits come with plastic gloves, rubber bands, and instructions. Some kits include other items like a plastic cover to protect your work surface, reusable squirt bottles, and a pattern guide with detailed instructions.
How to Get Started with Tie-Dye
Now that you know what to look for in a tie-dye kit and which kits are best for you, it’s time to get started! Be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on how to tie-dye so you can start creating your own beautiful projects. Then, find your next tie-dye design with our list of 17+ Tie Dye Patterns and Folding Techniques.
After that, you might be interested in these related articles.
For more Tie-Dye techniques, be sure to read these free tutorials.
FAQ about Tie Dye Kits
Here are some of the most common questions about choosing the right tie-dye kits and supplies.
What is the best tie-dye for shirts?
The best type of tie dye to use on cotton t-shirts is fiber-reactive dye. These dyes are colorfast on natural fabrics like cotton and linen, and they produce very vibrant results. If you use them correctly, fiber-reactive dyes are permanent – they won’t fade, even after repeated washings.
You can find fiber reactive dyes in Tulip brand kits, or under the name Procion MX dyes.
What is the best tie-dye for beginners?
We recommend that beginners choose a Tulip One-Step Kit that comes with everything you need to get started. Tulip One-Step kits are great for first-timers.
What tie-dye do professionals use?
Most experienced tie-dye artists use Procion MX dyes. Procion MX dyes are colorfast, non-toxic, and very vibrant. They come in a huge range of colors, too. You can find Procion MX dye kits from suppliers like Jacquard or Dharma Trading Co.
Note: When you’re working with Procion MX dyes, you’ll want to pre-soak your fabric in a soda ash solution. Here’s some more information about tie-dying with soda ash.
Is Rit dye good for tie-dying?
I don’t recommend Rit dyes for tie-dying. In my experience, the colors are too pale and tend to wash out in hot water. Rit dyes really need heat to set – so they aren’t my first choice for the cold-water, squirt bottle type of tie-dye we’re talking about in this article.
What is the best fabric for tie-dye?
Natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, are both good options for tie-dye. Fiber reactive dyes (like Tulip and Procion MX) are formulated to work with natural fibers to produce vibrant, colorful results.
Do you have a favorite tie-dye kit? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles on tie-dye, including our ultimate guide to tie-dyeing and our roundup of the best tie-dye patterns and techniques. Happy dyeing!
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Sarah Stearns has helped thousands of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
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