I experimented with some ice dyeing over the weekend and I looove the results. In fact, I can't stop. Every day I take something that sat overnight and wash it out and then I start a new dye project. I think I'm addicted….
The process is simple:
1. Wash your fabric (or t-shirt or apron or table runner or whatever). This is to get rid of any sizing or other chemicals. You do want to use something made from 100% cotton or the dye won't stick.
2. Soak your fabric in a Soda Ash and water mixture for 20 minutes. Soda Ash helps your fabric absorb the dye. Mix with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Safety note: wear gloves while working with Soda Ash as it's somewhat caustic. And I like to stir the Soda Ash bucket with a paint mixing stick every 5 minutes or so. Just to make sure everything is really soaked through.
3. While it's still wet, scrunch your fabric up or fold it into a pattern and place it on an elevated baking rack. 90% of the ice dyeing online is just scrunched fabric, but I wanted a more tie dye look, so I tied it up.
There are some super cool tie dye folding videos out there. I particularly like the Casual Collisions YouTube channel. Also, I'm lucky enough to have a slop sink, but you can do this in a large rubber container instead of a sink. Or even outdoors on the grass!
4. Cover your fabric with ice.
Surprisingly, this was the most difficult part of the process. My cubes kept sliding off. I'd like to try crushed ice or snow. I think it would sit on the fabric better.
5. Cover the ice with powdered dye.
I used the good stuff: MX Procion Dyes.
The super cool thing about powdered dyes is that they're made from bits of many different colored pigments and when dyeing in this manner, they will often separate into interesting and unexpected colors!
SAFETY NOTE: When working with powdered dye you MUST wear gloves and a mask. You do not want to inhale the powdered dye particles.
6. Cover the entire thing with plastic (to keep the moisture in so your fabric doesn't dry out) and go away for several hours — until all the ice is melted plus a little more time.
The waiting is horrible! On the other hand, this is kind of like baking. It's just a few minutes of work and then you go away and let it "cook."
7. Once all the ice has melted…
…wash out the excess dye by hand and then by machine. You can see a video of me hand washing the fabric here. I used both Synthrapol and a Color Catcher in my washing machine. I also ran the load of dyed items through my machine twice. And then I ran an old towel through the washer after the dyed material, just to make sure the washer was 100% clean. The reason that it's important that the items you dye are 100% cotton is evident in this photo:
There was no label and I didn't know what it was made of, but it's definitely not cotton. All the dye 100% disappeared in the washer.
My other experiments were more successful. Here's a peek at what I've made so far – 2 pieces of fabric, a table runner, and a t-shirt:
Have you tried ice dyeing? Any tips?
I think I'm going to go with a basic scrunch for my next project. I'll be sure to report back!
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Julie, I created the ice dyeing technique and wrote the very first article on it for Quilting Arts back in 2011. One of my favorite tips is to use spice shakers to distribute the dye over the ice. Also, if you get speckles and don’t like them (I think they add character!), cover your ice with tulle or similar fabric before sprinkling on the ice. I teach an online class with lots of tips and tricks. I’m offering $15 off the class until the end of May at this link: https://lyndaheines.com/p/icy-delights-dyeing-fabric-with-ice/?product_id=984832&coupon_code=%2415-OFF-MAY&preview=logged_out
Love it!
Love it!
Love it!
Love it!
Love it!
Love it!
Love it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Awesome! I just signed up for your online class. Im looking forward to it!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
Julie, Thanks!!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
I love these results!! The blue-ish one you wear at the end looks like a tiger – WOW! Not so wild about the caustic effects and having to suit up in PPE for the task, haha, but love the result Julie!!
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
Greetings Julie,
If you like ice dyeing, you might also like Low Water Immersion. You can get a PDF of the definitive book, Color By Accident by Ann Johnston, here >> http://annjohnston.net/project/color-by-accident-low-water-immersion-dyeing/
The book is out of print so Ann is offering it for free.
The download link to the pdf is just under the title at the top right of the page. Then, if you want to learn even more she has a DVD showing examples and more.
You three all stay healthy.
Vaya con Dios
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
As to the Soda Ash (washing soda) if you get it on your hands just wash or neutralize with vinegar.
There are really no fumes from the MX dyes. The hazard is a dust hazard when you are handling the powdered dyes. So a simple particle/dust mask, the type you might wear when spray painting, is sufficient.
I put damp paper towels under my jars of dye and the area so any small particles that escape usually get stuck on the damp paper. It is amazing how many escape – especially fuchsia.
So, you need to be careful and wearing gloves when handling the soda ash, which is just washing soda, is appropriate. We use plain Arm&Hammer washing soda in the big yellow box that I buy at the grocery store. You can make up SA ahead of time since it does not degrade with time.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
I love seeing your process and results. You always stay creative.
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
WOW. I loved seeing your projects. You are the calm in my storm right now, as I live alone,(I love being the boss of me….LOL) and have been shut in since March 8th. I have been a maker most of my 63 years, and lately, have viewed enough artsy videos, etc. to have a college degree in all of them. I think I have followed you since your Stampin Up days… you *did* used to be a demonstrator many years ago, yes?
Love your creativity,
becs
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!
I was never a Stampin Up demonstrator, but Im very glad to be keeping you company during this pandemic!