The Best Fabric Dyes

Rit Liquid Dye

Popular pick

This classic, user-friendly dye is perfect for a wide range of projects.

Best Overall

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If you are new to the idea of fabric dyeing, we suggest this Rit liquid dye. This formula is versatile and can be used with a variety of different fabrics, including cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie, rayon, viscose, nylon, and more. It also works on materials such as wood, paper, and cork, too. We also love that it is non-toxic and will provide the bright colors you want. Choose from nearly 40 different colors for all your dyeing needs, or mix and match for some fun and funky projects.

Pros:

• Great for beginners
• Non-toxic
• Can be used on all kinds of fabrics and surfaces

Cons:

• Need to leave dye in longer than instructed to get the true color

Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Party

The colors of the rainbow

This kit has all the colors you need to craft up a kaleidoscope of colorful creations.

Best For Tie-Dye

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In case you didn’t notice, tie-dye has made a major comeback recently, and we’re here for it. That’s why we’re so excited about this Tulip tie-dye kit that includes all the colors you need to get some tie-dye in your life ASAP. The dyes come in 18 squeeze bottles that all fit into a reusable plastic storage bin so that you can easily take this kit with you wherever you want to tie-dye. Just add water to the squeeze bottles to activate the dye, and you’re ready to rock and roll. The dyes are safe to wash in the washing machine and will stay bright after multiple washes.

Pros:

• No need to pre-soak fabric in soda ash before dyeing
• Enough supplies for up to 36 projects
• Includes step-by-step guide
• Just add water

Cons:

• Bottles smaller than expected

Rit Purpose Powder Dye

Powerful pigments

If powders are more your speed, this dye is your best bet.

Best Powder

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Liquid dye may be intimidating for some of us, but that doesn’t mean we need to miss out on the creative process. If the idea of liquid dye is a bit too much, then consider trying this Rit powder dye. You can use it on all the same fabrics and surfaces as Rit’s liquid dye, but you won’t have to worry about sloshing or dripping. There is enough dye in this box to work for one pound of fabric.

Pros:

• An easy alternative to the liquid dye
• Works on a wide variety of fabrics and surfaces
• Enough for one pound of fabric

Cons:

• Dye may not last as long as expected on some materials

Royi Creative Tie-Dye Kit

All in one

Get dozens of dyes and tons of tools with this convenient kit.

Most Comprehensive

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For a jam-packed kit that just won’t quit, look no further than this pick from Royi. It comes with 265 pieces of tie-dyeing material, including squeeze bottles, rubber bands, plastic gloves, aprons, tablecloths, spray nozzles, fabric markers, sticks, and more. This kit is great for beginners and groups, as it only requires adding water to work. The materials used in this kit are safe for kids to use, so no need to worry about toxins. Complete with 40 colors, you can create all kinds of art with this kit.

Pros:

• Comes with all the tools you need for tie-dyeing
• Great for kids
• Simply add water to activate

Cons:

• Bottles are very small

Pentel Arts Fabric Fun Pastel Dye Sticks

Creative control

These pastel sticks offer a hands-on approach to fabric dye.

Best For Crafting

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If you love drawing, we think these sticks are the perfect way for you to break into fabric art. These pastel dye sticks from Pental are perfect for creating your own designs on fabric that may be more intricate than what you can typically achieve with liquids and powders. They are acid-free, easy to use, and easy to blend. To set your designs permanently, all you have to do is heat set them with an iron. Fifteen different colors are included in this kit for you to play around with.

Pros:

• Acid-free pigment
• Permanent once set with an iron
• Color lasts a while

Cons:

• May take a bit to get used to drawing with them, so stencils and templates are helpful at first

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dyed clothing hold up after washing?
The answer to this question depends on the dye that you choose to use. Some are meant to last only short periods, and others are intended to be more permanent. A good rule of thumb is to expect the dye to be permanent unless stated otherwise. To ensure that the pigment doesn’t release after the first few washes, wash your dyed fabrics in cool or cold water.

How long does fabric dye last?
Once that dye has been activated (which for most means simply adding water), it will last up to 72 hours. So plan to use the dye for your project within that 72 hours — otherwise, it probably won’t give you the results you’re looking for.

How long do you have to let the dye sit?
The instructions on the dye should specify the appropriate amount of time, but generally speaking, you need to let the fabric sit in the dye for at least six to eight hours. But it’s often recommended that you wait 24 – 48 hours for the best results and most saturated colors.