Resources
Dyes, Soda Ash, Dyeables
Dharma Trading
https://dharmatrading.com
Jacquard
the manufacturer of the fiber reactive dyes we used
https://www.jacquardproducts.com/
Ice Dye Color Split Chart
https://dharma-www.s3.amazonaws.com/images/public/pdf/ice-dye-swatches-interactive.pdf
Sara's Samples & Setups
** this is in progress, I will be adding more in next few days**
https://dreammakercreative.com/ice-dye-samples-setups/
Favorite YouTube tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/@FunEndeavors
https://www.youtube.com/@RiahsTieDye
How to Fold Mandala
** this one demos starting with the center point at bottom right instead of left, but it ends up the same. **
https://www.waxonstudio.com/blog/mandala
Greetings! If you've found this page, you have likely taken ice dyeing at Craftcation (or you're a bot). I first learned about ice dye from Craftcation in 2019. I didn't actually get into the class because it was too popular, but I saw it in the parking lot and was inspired. I tried it at home and fell in love. Since then, I turned it into a diy kit. First as part of my monthly subscription box (since discontinued), and now as an a la carte kit. I also teach ice and shibori dyeing in Washington state and hope to get an online version launched this year. Please connect with me via Instagram or Facebook, or join my email list to hear when new kits and classes go live.
Happy Crafting!
Materials Needed
* Soda Ash
* Fiber Reactive Dye (colors vary)
* A variety of wire racks, collanders, bowls, wire baskets, metal trays, etc.
* Rubber bands
* Waxed cord or sinew
* Nitrile gloves
* A clean bucket
* Fabric!
Helpful Materials
* Washable Markers
* Binder clips or clamps
* A notebook to log your design process
Safety
It is recommended that you wear gloves while doing this project as the chemicals can be abrasive to your skin and the dye will stain. If you do get dye on your hands, warm water will be more effective in removing it, but it may take a few days to wash out.
Ice Dyeing should be done in a well ventilated, but not windy area. Do not breathe in the dye or soda ash. If you are sensitive, you may want to wear a mask.
About Soda Ash
Soda ash helps to loosen the fibers in your fabrics so that the dye colors can more easily bond. By pre-soaking your fabric, you allow more vibrant colors to be attained.
About Fiber Reactive Dye
Fiber reactive dye bonds to the fibers at the molecular level, making it permanent and colorfast. It is designed for plant based fibers including cotton, linen, rayon and hemp.
Types of Fabric
Best fabrics are those compatible with fiber reactive dye - so cotton, linen, rayon and hemp. Additionally silk works well. Avoid other protein fibers like wool or alpaca. And avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. A cotton blend with a synthetic can sometimes work if the percentage of cotton is high enough. Thicker fabrics(like canvas) may be more difficult to bind in order to produce specific patterns, but look lovely with a softer more random technique.
Types of Ice
Block, cubed ice and even snow can all work. They will each produce different results though so experiment. I use cube in most cases and enough to fully bury and saturate my fabric. For smallish projects, I typically use 1 - 1.5 lbs cubed ice per item. Thicker fabrics will require more ice and hot days may need more.
Racks, baskets, etc.
With ice dyeing you need a container or rack with holes that allows the ice to melt and flow through the fabric. And you need a second container without the holes to catch the runoff. Fiber reactive dyes stain, so don't use your kitchen cook or serving ware. Your local dollar store is your best bet to find ice dyeing equipment.
Process Overview
Step 1
- Pre-soak Fabric
Fill a bucket with water. Add 1 cup of soda ash per gallon of water. Soak your fabric in this solution for 15 - 30 minutes. Remove from liquid and ring out excess water. Do not dry.
Step 2 - Scrunch, fold, or bind your fabric
Step 3 - Place fabric on a rack or in a container with holes. Place a non-holey container under to catch the run off.
Step 4 - Decide whether to place DUI (dye under ice) or DOI (dye over ice). DUI gives more control over placement. DOI creates more random effects.
Step 5 - Apply dye and ice in preferred order from step 4.
Step 6 - Sprinkle additional dry soda ash over the ice and dye
Step 7 - Let your ice bowls and bins batch in a warm spot. Leaving for 24 to 48 hours will achieve the most vibrant colors, but you can still get good results in 4 to 8 hours.
Step 8 - Rinse. First, a quick rinse in cold water to wash out the soda ash and prevent colors from running. Remove twine and/or rubber bands. Then continue to rinse under cold water, ringing out as you go. Gradually increase water to warm and rinse until water is almost clear.
Step 9 - Wash with a gentle detergent or Dawn dish liquid in cold water with like colors. Optionally, do a second wash in hot water and add a special fabric detergent such as Retayne or Synthropol to help with color permanence.
