We have been doing tie dye every summer for years now. The kids always look forward to it. And even though I always question why I’m doing such a messy project with little ones, the end result is always super cute and worth it. Well, apparently our yearly tradition has become a popular trend because everywhere was sold out of tie dye kits. I checked Walmart, Target, Micheal’s, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon to no avail. Finally I found a couple of sets online on Amazon. One of them didn’t eve come with the the bottle you use to mix the powder in. But that’s okay because today I’m going to tell you how to tie dye with ice–no bottle needed. Links contain affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

tie dye with ice

To tie dye with ice you’ll need:

• powdered tie dye (We like Tulip brand because you don’t have to use soda ash.)
• ice (We used cubed but I think crushed might work better.)
• plastic and a big bin for underneath your project
• rubberbands and gloves (If you buy a complete kit this will be included; if you just purchase w refill pack you’ll need to find these.)
• whatever you’re going to tie dye

Prepare your clothing the same way you would for a traditional tie dye project. Wash and make sure that it’s still wet so it takes the dye better. Arrange in your design (for this method a simple “scrunch” design looks the best!) and secure with rubberbands. Place a pile of ice on top of your project and then sprinkle powder on top. As the ice melts the dye will soak into your design! Be sure to make your masterpiece in a place where you can leave it for 24-48 hours before washing it.

| Find a recipe for lemon lime tie dye cake here! |

Even after doing this project the jury is still out on if it’s any less messy. When the ice melts you end up with a big puddle of colored water pooling underneath your tie dye project. That is why the plastic bin is so important. Unfortunately I didn’t think about that until halfway through our experience. Regardless, it was still super fun and we all love the way our designs turned out! Like I tell my kids–you can’t mess up tie dye.

| Find a fun list of 101 things to do with your kids this summer here! |

tips for tie dying:

• pre-wash your materials first
• rinse out dye before washing completely in cold water until water runs clear
• wash alone the first time on the hottest setting you can (or wash with rags)

Do you like to tie dye? Have you ever used this ice method?