Sunburst Tie Dye Technique

Sunburst tie dye is a classic way to decorate your own clothing!

Create colorful bursts of color on fabric with this sunburst tie dye technique from I Love to Create. Follow the written instructions and/or watch the video! Create your own item or make a gift for someone special.

Spiral tie dye may be a classic, but it's a slightly more complicated technique. If you're new to tie dye or working with younger children, give the sunburst technique a try. Rather than one central focal point, you'll create several little bursts of color!

Before beginning any tie dye craft 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.

Time to CompleteWeekend project

Main MaterialFabric

Primary TechniqueFabric Crafts

Beginner

Project TypeLearn a Technique

Materials List

Fabric to tie dye, such as a cotton T-shirt
Plastic tablecloth to protect work surface
Rubber bands
Tulip One-Step Fashion Dye Kit in Paradise Punch
Plastic wrap
Non-bleach laundry detergent

Instructions

Create Circles

Prewash fabric to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Cover work surface with a plastic tablecloth. Lay fabric flat on work surface.
Decide where you want the circles to be. Pinch fabric and bind with rubber band.

Add More Circles

Continue placing circles on fabric, making as many as desired.
Wearing rubber gloves, add water to dye bottle. Replace cap tightly. Shake until dye is dissolved. Use full-strength for intense colors. For a lighter shade of color, add more water using extra bottle if needed.
Apply dye on fabric, checking to make sure dye has penetrated. Do not over saturate fabric. If dye is applied too close together the colors may become muddy.
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.