Swirl Tie Dye Technique
Create classic spiral tie dye with 2 colors or more.
Creating a twisting spiral of bright colors with tie-dye is easier than you might think! Follow this photo tutorial for how to swirl tie dye from I Love to Create. Or, you can watch the video below to create your own swirl tie-dye for wearable items or home decor pieces.
Before you begin a tie-dye project, read the instructions for the Tulip One-Step Fashion Dye or Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye. Refer back to them for standard steps with using dye.
If you've ever wanted to learn how to tie-dye, this is the perfect project to try. Simply pinch and turn to create the folds and then cover strategically with rubber band. Add dye to your piece - you can pick as many colors as you want. Cool tie dye designs come in all shapes and sizes, so don't be afraid to get creative. Follow these tie dye instructions and you'll be well on your way to designing a one-of-a-kind wearable that's eye-catching and daring. You'll never want to buy new clothes when you learn how to tie-dye clothes you already have.
How to Tie Dye a Shirt
Pinch and Twist
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Before beginning, read the Tie-Dye how-to instructions and refer back to them for standard steps.
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Prewash fabric to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
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Cover work surface with a plastic tablecloth.
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Lay fabric flat on work surface. Decide the area on the fabric where you want the swirl to be. Pinch fabric at this point. Twist fabric around into a flat spiral.
Bind
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Bind with rubber bands, creating 6 wedge shapes. Use more rubber bands as desired.
Apply Dye
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Apply Dye on wedges using as many colors as desired, in the desired arrangement – alternating wedges, connecting wedges, etc. or use a single color.
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Cover fabric with plastic. Let set 4 to 6 hours. Remove rubber bands. Fill washer to large load setting with hottest water suitable for fabric and a small amount of non-bleach laundry detergent. Wash and dry separately.
Your finished product will look something like this!
More Tie Dye Ideas and Cool Tie Dye Designs
Looking for easy tie dye crafts that you can work on with the kids? With these craft tutorials, you'll discover how easy it is to find things to tie dye. There are so many cool techniques to try and ways to personalize otherwise boring items like white shirts and socks. You can even create tie dye decor items - it's such a fun way to add color to your space. Discover how to make tie dye crafts that look groovy and cool. It's so easy to take a trip back in time - you only need some cool tie dye designs to get you started.
We also offer free eBooks! Perfect for parents, counselors, and crafters on the go, these printable tie dye collections can also be downloaded directly to your computer or mobile device for free! Find our very best tie dye tutorials in these free eBooks.
How to Make Tie Dye Designs
Now that you know how to do spiral tie dye, explore another technique! There are so many fun and easy ways to tie dye shirts. Discover cool tie dye designs and get inspired. Soon, you won't have any white clothes in sight because everything will be tie dyed. Whether you try the splatter technique or create a heart using a variety of dyes, you can't go wrong. These techniques can also be used to change the look of boring white home decor items. Now is the perfect time to turn your space into a groovy oasis.
Bonus: How to Spiral Tie Dye Video Tutorial
What is your favorite tie dye technique or project to make?
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rainbow 1890739
Nov 23, 2018
These seem like really clear instructions, but no picture of the end product. Not that I want mine to look exactly like yours, but a picture would be a good guideline.
Editor Dana
Nov 26, 2018
Hi there! Thank you so much for your feedback. I've added a photo of what the finished swirl tie dye technique project looks like. The colors don't match the step-out photos, but the finished look is now shown. I hope that helps!
Weberme
May 26, 2018
I was just thinking of how you could get a swirl pattern when tie dying a tee shirt and here it is. I love this pattern and it is so easy to do by adding more rubber bands and using different color of dyes. This would look great on a cotton dress too. There is a video to show how this is done too along with a written tutorial too.
mulberrygalprinces s
May 25, 2018
Tie dye has come so far over the years. I remember when it was just for hippies. All you saw was peace signs. Now it's cone up to the more expensive looks. I saw a dress done in it with sequins all over it. The price was really up there. I have to make one of these.
len10pin
Apr 05, 2017
We used to tie dye t-shirts in the early 1970's. We used the very simple technique that left different colored circles all over the shirt. I was amazed at the techniques people have come up with now! If I want to know how to do something or just looking for a new craft, I come to FaveCrafts first. It's so easy to find what I'm looking for.
BeckySue
Aug 25, 2016
I love the swirl design and it looks easy using the squirt bottles of dye. My washing machine fills according to the weight of the load, so I don't know how to get enough water for a full load.
Taharah94
Jun 01, 2016
I have not tried this technique before, but I am hoping to try it soon! #FaveCraftsTieDye
EarthlyNspiredBeau ty
Jun 01, 2016
Tie-dye is an awesome summer fun projects to do with the kids...or grownups . #FaveCraftsTieDye
mccandlessquilts
May 27, 2016
I have been learning about Tie-Dye, collecting designs, setting aside items, and buying dyes one at a time. Wow I could start the day the dyes would arrive with this super creative set! #FaveCraftsTieDye #FaveCrafts
clewis36 7388422
May 27, 2016
Wow! This looks like so much fun! I hope I get a chance to try #FaveCraftsTieDye
wolverineofthefour winds 8896708
May 24, 2016
M'y daughter tried it at school in an art class. great projection FsveCraftsTieDie
lganme 5689802
May 24, 2016
I think the swirl design is my fav so far. Thanks for the tut FaveCraftsTieDye
catmuska 4454223
May 24, 2016
The swirl design is one of the coolest .I love the purple top(FaveCraftsTieDye)
kforrest1988 00427 26
May 24, 2016
I love this swirl design when tie dying. Never the same design twice. FaveCraftsTieDye. )
ginny4theredsox
May 24, 2016
FaveCraftsTieDye Another best idea ever. There needs to be a finished open shirt picture to show off the design and the colors. Please post a picture.
christinacellis 83 99930
May 23, 2016
I would like to try this swirl technique using school colors or sport team colors. FaveCraftsTieDye
cyjem78 2396222
May 23, 2016
Tie dye is the perfect craft! Always unique. Always a fun surprise! FaveCraftsTieDye
sputnik1554 685980 5
May 23, 2016
This is a great technique! My granddaughters would love to do this with their friendsFaveCraftsTieDye
traceycarelock 798 7396
May 23, 2016
FaveCraftsTieDye love this idea for my daughter's birthday party thanks for sharing
cltitles 6224288
May 23, 2016
I think is it great the tie dye is larger than ever! Thanks FaveCraftsTieDye!
smcelhinny 4638609
May 23, 2016
FaveCraftsTieDye. Now this is something I will try with my grandkids since they love to do this with me. They'll get real create and we'll make some new shirts or even cover up some stained ones for longer life!
Mistress of All Ev il
May 20, 2016
This is my all-time favorite tie dye look, but I've never actually tried it myself. No time like the present. FaveCraftsTieDye.
rhiannonveritas 43 29157
May 19, 2016
I've always wanted to try this. I have spiral tie-dye shirts from my fav radio station. FaveCraftsTieDye
lilbittypanda 7241 000
May 19, 2016
I love this! My mother-in-law does this style of tie-dye all the time and it turns out so pretty. FaveCraftsTieDye
discriminatingdiva 4568375
May 18, 2016
Super - I love that pink shirt although I'd have to do it in aqua or teal. FaveCraftsTieDye
EarthlyNspiredBeau ty
May 18, 2016
Another great tie-dye tip...if you want to create words or different designs use regular white glue and write or create your design-then let it dry, now go and dye the item per instructions and when you do the last laundering you'll have your image and glue will be gone! FaveCraftsTieDye
dogover1619
May 18, 2016
I'm glad that I found these pages! So many lovely ideas! I now need to get a kit use the ideas I've found here.
dkisamore 6587996
May 18, 2016
This kit is very user friendly. I want to tie dye some socks and scarves, not just to wear, but to repurpose on wreaths and other crafting projects. I have fond memories of tie dye at summer camps when I was a tween. Now I would like to invite some of my middle aged friends over for a tie-dye and drinking tea party. )
Knittingdancer on Ravelry
May 17, 2016
I would love to win this kit to share with my friends at our knitting retreat. FaveCraftsTieDye
clennek 0538071
May 12, 2016
There are quite a few things that I really like about this tutorial. A few of the major "likes" are the instructions (it makes tie dying seem so easy) the step by step photos and the logical way the instructions are presented. Kudos to the author! FaveCraftsTieDye
ridiculosity 67303 43
May 11, 2016
FaveCraftsTieDye. I've seen that swirl technique on TV before, but haven't tried it yet.
BetsyB993
Mar 11, 2016
When tie-dying with kids, I find they have problems "twirling" to create the spiral pattern, to solve this we use a fork. Simply stick the fork in the center of the area the spiral is desired and then twist. Remove the fork, and apply the rubber bands as directed. The tines on the fork allow just enough resistance to make it easy to twirl the fabric for kids.
SuzieV
Aug 12, 2015
I've never done tie dye crafts, but my little cousin would love these! There are so many different options here too which is great.
Z Christensen
Jun 18, 2015
Nice to see a basic tie-dye tutorial around. I did this a couple times when I was a kid, but it was always kind of a splattery rainbow mess
leota
Oct 22, 2012
i want to see the results of the shirts you made on videos....i love to tie dye.
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