Ice Dye
Let creativity and colour flow. Follow the guide below to create your piece.
Pick your item(s) to dye. Natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo and hemp and perfect for fibre reactive dyes. Synthetic fibres are not appropriate for fibre reactive dyes. If dyeing a protein fibre (silk, wool etc) please see our post “Dyeing protein fibres”
Prepare your item(s). Wash with detergent (no softener) and leave damp.
Prepare your work area. Dyes can stain so please cover all surfaces. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained or an apron, and wear gloves provided.*
Fold and tie your item(s). See our “Tying inspiration” page for inspiration.
Place your item(s) in a container* and cover with a thick layer of ice. Old fruit punnets work great for this.
Sprinkle dye powder and soda ash over the top of the ice as desired using a 1:2 ratio.
Leave in a safe place undisturbed and let the ice melt.* Leave the item(s) for 24 hours after the ice has melted for the most vibrant results.
Leaving the bands on, rinse your item(s) individually under cold water. When the water begins to get clear remove your bands and continue to rinse for a further minute with cold water. Switch to warm water and rinse until fairly clear.
Wash alone or with other just rinsed items in your washing machine with detergent on your standard cycle.
Dry and enjoy!
* Additional safety considerations
Wearing a dust mask or respirator offers additional protection against inhalation of dye powders.
Ensure no tools or containers used for dye are reused in future for food or drink.
Ensure areas under your container are appropriately covered incase dye leaks outs when ice melts. If your container has holes put another receptacle under it to catch any run off.
