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Dyeing

One dip in the dye bath and you have something brand new! Dyeing is as much an art as a science, so don't hesitate to experiment. Give a set of plain white dish towels a colorful upgrade, an old scarf a prettier shade, or a string of wooden beads a beautiful new hue. Try a new technique like shibori, ombre dip-dyeing, batik, or everyone's favorite—tie-dye. Just remember that natural fibers—like cotton, linen, silk, and wool—take dye much better than synthetics do.

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Dyeing Fabrics: Tips, Tricks, and How-Tos

Natural fibers—such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool—take dye much better than synthetics do. Dyeing is as much an art as a science, so don’t hesitate to experiment. For example, we like combining liquid dyes to come up with our own colors. Modify this technique for items other than fabric, immersing them in the dye and taking note of how each item takes the color.

Natural Dyes From Plants and Vegetables

We used beets, spinach, tumeric, and red cabbage to create a brilliant range of dye colors.

The Craft Trends We're Inspired to Try in 2021

From homemade candles to paint-by-number kits and more, here's what projects our experts say will dominate the DIY world in the new year.

How to Tie-Dye Anything—Plus, Three of Our Favorite Patterns to Try

Wet, wild, and, yes, a little messy, tie-dyeing is the perfect way to keep kids entertained on a summer day. Even adults will appreciate that moment of anticipation just before the unraveling of rubber bands reveals their own vibrant creations.

Sharpie Tie-Dye T-Shirt

Learn how to quickly and creatively add a pop of color or fun design to your clothes
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More Dyeing

Shibori Dyeing Techniques for Five Beautiful Patterns

Master the art of shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that results in rich patterns from indigo color. By bundling the fabric in five different ways, you can produce a traditional set of prints including arashi, kumo, itajime, and ne-maki.

5 Questions for the Experts at Rit Dye

Dyeing is a great way to totally transform all kinds of items (not just fabric!). Here are some tips from from two people who are lucky enough to do it for a living.