Plus: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide Using Supplies from Our Shop
Ice dyeing has become one of the most exciting and accessible ways for artists, makers, and crafters to explore colour. Unlike traditional dyeing methods, which rely on controlled application, ice dyeing embraces unpredictability. The results are organic, fluid, and uniquely beautiful every single time—like watercolours on fabric, guided by nature and time.
Whether you're a seasoned textile artist or a curious beginner, ice dyeing is the perfect project to experiment with bold colour, surprising patterns, and creative expression. And the best part? You can do it at home with just a handful of supplies—many of which are available in our shop.
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What Is Ice Dyeing?
Ice dyeing is a fabric dyeing technique where powdered dye is sprinkled over ice that sits on top of pre-soaked fabric. As the ice melts, it slowly pulls pigment into the fibres, creating blended, fractured, and dreamlike colour patterns. Think tie-dye’s elegant, painterly cousin.
It’s low-mess, and incredibly fun, perfect for workshops, craft days, or gifts.
Why Artists Love Ice Dyeing
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Unpredictable beauty: No two pieces will ever look the same, because the dye splits into different colours.
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Soft, watercolour-like patterns: The melting ice acts like a natural gradient blender.
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Beginner-friendly: Minimal tools and no tricky techniques needed.
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Eco-conscious option: You can use natural fibres and low-water immersion methods that reduce waste.
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Versatile: Works on clothing, tea towels, scarves, table linens, fabric for quilting, and more. Anything that is a natural fibre eg cotton, linen and silk.
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Supplies You’ll Find in Our Shop
You can create an entire project using items from Creative Village Newcastle. We stock many handmade or small-batch textiles ideal for dyeing, plus the accessories you need.
Available in-store:
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100% cotton napkins
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Aprons
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Jacquard Procion powder dyes
- Soda Ash for pretreating the fabric
You can just get some old buckets or containers and old wire racks will work great for ice dyeing.
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DIY: How to Create Your Own Ice-Dyed Fabric
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful ice-dyed piece at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Pre-wash your fabric to remove any sizing or residues. This helps the dye absorb evenly.
Soak in a soda ash solution (follow the instructions). Soda ash helps open the fibres of the fabric to react to the dye and the colours become more vibrant and permanent.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dyeing Station
You’ll need:
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A tray or tub
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A wire rack (to elevate the fabric)
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Plenty of ice (cubed or crushed both work)
Place the rack over the tray so melted ice can drip through.
Step 3: Arrange Your Fabric
There’s no right or wrong here—experiment with:
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Scrunched fabric for organic patterns (my favourite is this method)
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Accordion folds for stripes
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Twisted and tied sections for circular effects
Place your fabric on the wire rack.
Step 4: Cover with Ice
Heap your ice on top of the fabric. A thick layer creates softer blends, while less ice leads to more dramatic streaks. you don't want to be able to see the fabric.
Step 5: Add Your Dye
Wearing gloves and a dust mask, gently sprinkle powdered dye over the ice. Use one colour or multiple shades for a more layered look. Some dyes start to split straight away. Just remember you wont get the colours you expect.
Tips:
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Start with small amounts—you can always add more.
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Cool colours blend beautifully (blues, greens, purples).
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Warm colours create sunset effects.
All the dyes available in our shop are perfect for this step.
Step 6: Let the Ice Work Its Magic
This is the hardest part… waiting!
Allow the ice to melt completely. This can take 6–12 hours. As it melts, it drags pigment through the fabric, creating your stunning patterns. once the ice has melted let the fabric sit for 12-24 hours.
Step 7: Rinse & Reveal
Rinse your fabric under cold water until the water runs clear. Then wash it separately in warm water with a good detergent.
Dry in the shade, and marvel at your one-of-a-kind creation!
Project Ideas You Can Make with Ice-Dyed Textiles
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Art tea towels (our handmade cotton ones are perfect!)
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Linen table runners
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Tote bags for gifting
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Fabric to sew into cushions
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Wearable art T-shirts
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Fabric panels to frame as artwork
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Handmade Christmas or birthday gift wraps (furoshiki-style)
Ready to Start Your Ice Dye Adventure?
Drop into our shop and pick up everything you need to begin your ice dyeing journey. Whether you're creating gifts, refreshing your home decor, or exploring a new art form, ice dyeing is a beautiful, accessible way to play with colour.
And if you’d like, we can guide you through fabric choices, colour palettes, and design ideas to help bring your creative vision to life.
Happy dyeing! 🎨🧊
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