Tie-Dye Technique How-To Make Ombre Tie-Dye T-Shirts

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Are you looking for a new tie-dye technique to try? Today we are sharing techniques and tie-dye patterns we have tried. See how to make Ombre Tie-Dye T-Shirts, using the ombre tie-dye technique. 

Are you looking for other crafts to make? You might like to see all our other Summer Craft Ideas. 

Tie-Dye Technique

All images for this crafting dye project throughout post will enlarge for a bigger view if clicked on! 

You might remember this Sunburst Tie-Dye Technique. Tie-dye is a fun summer outdoor project you can do with kids ages 8 and up.  Fun Tie Dye Techniques #DIY Sunburst and How To Use Dye Kits  

Ombre Tie Dye Technique

Supplies 

• Tee Shirts – use 100% cotton T-Shirts 
• Tulip Ultimate Tie Dye Kit (most kits come with gloves and rubber bands)
• Extra Rubber Bands (optional but, nice to have on hand if creating many t-shirts at one time)
• Wear clothes you don’t care about or use an apron
• See our full instructions for how to use tie-dye kits (here)
• Craft Paint Brush 

Other supplies for setting up your tie-dye workspace

• Plastic table cover (any will do – we opened up large extra strong garbage bag)
• 4-5″ wide disposable paintbrush
• Water bowl (for paintbrush)
• Masking tape (we didn’t use)
• Washer/dryer
• Dry rag to wipe off plastic in between shirt dying or paper towels ( you won’t use again )
• Pitcher of water ( for re-wetting areas )
• Saran wrap or Plastic Bags (optional – for increased dye intensity read kit, we didn’t use)
• Of course, one kid helper at least to share the fun with! But, hey no kids no problem. Just have fun with it!

DIY Ombre Tie-Dye T-Shirts 

Ombre Tie-Dye technique 

Ombre Tie-Dye Instructions

For best results:

1. Set up your workspace and protect your table. (see this post for tips and set up instructions)
2. Read all dye instructions before beginning project 
3. Follow the directions on your dye kit
4. Put on gloves and add water to your dye powder in the bottles
5. Refer to photo (above) for color and design placement
6. Start with a damp T-Shirt that has been washed to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener
7. Put on gloves
8. Squeeze dye onto the bottom edge of the t-shirt
9. Use a paintbrush to pull the dye upwards
10. Add water to your paintbrush, before pulling the dye upwards as you go lighter 
11. Continue until you achieve the look you want
12. Place your finished t-shirt into a plastic bag for 6-8 hours.
13. Follow the instructions on the kit for rinsing and washing! 

For the blue ombre on the shirt, I used this same tie-dye technique starting from the top of the shirt and pulling down. For the purple going up I added a bit of free pour design to it. 

Beginner Tie-Dye Technique

What a great way to start summer listening to music and dying t-shirts! Sammie is using the direct pour method! This is the same method I used to create the design on the bottom of my sleeveless t-shirt. 

• Supervision will be required for tie-dying with older kids, tweens, and teens.

Honestly, this is such a fun summer craft to do with older kids, tweens, and teens! 

This post was updated from our summer of Joann crafts. We received a gift card to purchase items for creating a tie-dye project. Need a helpful video to see? DIY Ombre Tie-Dye Technique

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