Stovetop Tie Dye Socks Pattern

Learn how to tie dye socks with this fantastic tutorial.

Funky Tie Dye Socks

Learn how to tie dye socks with this fantastic funky tie dye socks tutorial. Tie dyeing socks is such a fun project and now you can do it yourself. All you need are a few standard materials like twine, plastic gloves, and dye, plus a pair of white nylon socks. Unique socks are such a fun way to add something special to an ensemble, even if you're the only one who knows you're wearing them! This project features the Rit Dye stovetop method, although you can use other hot water dyes local to your area. For a fun new addition to your socks collection, be sure to check out this wonderful tie dye socks pattern.

From the Designer: "Here is a cool craft idea for spring! Turn ordinary white socks into little objects d’art with the help of tie dye. The beauty of this project is that there is no right or wrong ~ the end result is totally unexpected. Who wouldn’t want to hit the gym with cool socks like these? Or even better, wear them to your next party ~ you will be sure to stand out!"

BONUS: Want a convenient printable and ad-free PDF version of this project?

Download the PDF here.

Estimated Cost$11-$20

Time to CompleteIn an evening

MaterialsFabric

Primary TechniqueDIY Craft

Easy

SeasonSpring

Project TypeMake a Project

Materials List

Pair of white 100% nylon socks
Packet of red t-shirt dye
Packet of royal blue t-shirt dye
Roll of 1mm wide cotton twine
Roll of 3mm wide cotton twine
1 cup of salt
Pair of rubber gloves
10 toy glass marbles
Standard scissors
Stainless steel pot

Tie Dye Socks DIY Instructions

Wash the socks and rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any sizing agent from the material. Note: Do not add fabric softener when rinsing the socks. Allow the socks to dry before proceeding to the next step.

Prepare the socks for the tie dying:

Put five marbles into the toe area of each sock. Tightly tie the thin twine just above the five marbles to keep them in place in the toe area, and then tie twine in between the five marbles to separate them from each other.
Gather the rest of the sock from above the marbles in a zig zag manner and use the thick twine to secure the gathered zig zags.
Crumple each sock and tie it with thin twine to keep it in position. Now you are ready to color the socks!

Tie Dye Instructions

Dissolve the red dye powder and ½ cup of salt in a liter of boiling water.
Once the powder and salt have dissolved, add more water to the pot. The pot should have enough water to completely cover the socks.
Bring the colored water to a boil.
Wet the socks in cold water, and then add it to the pot with the boiling dye solution.
Keep boiling the pot on the stove for 15-20 minutes. Stir the pot regularly to make sure that the socks get dyed on all sides.
Note: Wear rubber gloves when following this step. Take the socks out of the pot and rinse it in your sink with cold water to remove any excess dye. Keep rinsing until the water is clean and then gently cut off the twine added in step 3. Do not remove the rest of the twine, i.e. those around the marbles and the twine used to secure the zig zags.
Crumple each sock again and now tie the gathered socks with thick twine.
Repeat steps 3 to 7, now using the royal blue T-shirt dye.
Wearing rubber gloves again, take the socks out of the pot and rinse it to remove any excess dye. Keep rinsing until the water is clean and then gently cut off all the twine.
Rinse the socks again and then hang them in a shady area to dry.

Tip:

Even though the tie dye powder I used was recommended only for cotton, hemp, linen and viscose, it worked perfectly well with the nylon socks! The colors were much more intense, which created a great end result.

Want to print this project so it's handy when you're ready to tie dye?

Get the ad-free PDF for the Stovetop Tie Dye Socks Pattern.