If you’re searching for tie-dye patterns you’re at the right place. This page contains over one hundred videos showcasing some of the most stunning tie-dye designs. If you’re new to the craft and be sure to check our beginner’s guide to tie-dye.
The patterns are ranked by difficulty. We have taken into consideration the relative difficulty of each one and how much time they take to accomplish. An easy pattern can be completed in as little as 5 minutes, while advanced patterns may require multiple hours of work.
You can compare different variations of the same tie-dye techniques. Find out which ones you like best. I hope you have a good time exploring the world of tie-dye.
Easy Tie-dye Patterns
Easy to replicate without any craft experience. These tie-dye patterns are perfect to get started with. As opposed to painting, sculpting or other fine arts, tie-dye is very forgiving for newcomers. You will amaze yourself on the first try.
There are many folding techniques you can do right now. The beauty is that you don’t need to be perfect. Even a rough approximation of the technique is enough to give you amazing results.
Common folds can be found here, such as the spiral, crumple, and fan fold. Be sure to share you favorite techniques with your friends. We learn quicker when sharing tips together.
– Click a pattern to play instructions –
Single Spiral
Two-arms Spiral
Rainbow Spiral
Rainbow Spiral with accents
Pastel Crumple
Heavy Crumple
Random Crumple
Camo Crumple
Fire Crumple
Slash Crumple
Side Fan Fold
Top Fan Fold
Diagonal Pleat
Wedge
Oasis
Fireworks
Eyeball
Heart
Snowflake
Target
Double X Pattern
Geodes
Straight Pleat
Diamond
X Pattern
Pyramid
Zig Zag
Water Drop
Intermediate Tie-dye Patterns
You are ready to try new things. Intermediate patterns are next on your list. You will see the same basic folding techniques used. Only this time with complex dyeing patterns. You will see advanced spirals and geometric shapes.
Don’t be afraid to try your hand. Don’t shy away from intimidating designs. Do what pleases you the most and you’ll have a fun time learning.
Skills are transferable from one technique to the other. Most of it is building muscle memory. For now choose the patterns that interest you the most and the rest will follow.
– Click a pattern to play instructions –
Blue Lightning
Skeletal Spiral
Spirograph
Fragmented Spiral
Six Colors Spiral
Criss-Cross
Shifting Spiral
Reverse Spiral
Peacock
Double Peacock
Sunflare
Black Hole
Chain Links
Rasta Pleat
Right Angle
Fish Scales
Geometric
Kaleidoscope
Star Mandala
Sunshine Mandala
Candy Corners
Reverse Spine
Rorschach
Lotus Mandala
Earth and Sun
Nautilus
Advanced Tie-dye Patterns
Flex your tie-dye muscles with these impressive techniques. Advanced patterns can be difficult to get on the first few tries. They employ the most advanced folding and dyeing techniques known.
These patterns will help you solidify your understanding of the guiding principles of tie-dye. This is the time for you to try out your own unique ideas. Create some of the most sought-after and expensive items of the craft.
– Click a pattern to play instructions –
Complex Spiral
Mosaic Spiral
Winter Wonder
Mindscape
Diagonal Wig-Wag
V Wig-Wag
Wedge Wig-Wag
Fan Fold Wig-Wag
Mirror Wig-Wag
Ripple Pleat
Ripple Peacock
Mirror Ripple
Ripple Fan Fold
Gradient Fan Fold
Rainbow Guitar
Mini Geodes
Fun Tie-dye Patterns
These patterns are a lot of fun. They are ideal for learning how the placement of dye affects the final result. Draw any shape you want on a folded shirt and keep your fingers crossed for the reveal.
Tie-dye is all about having fun. Sometimes the process is even more exciting than the result. Make cool patterns like these and you’re sure to amaze your friends and have fun doing it.
– Click a pattern to play instructions –
Mysterious Spiral
Happy
Strange Encounter
Ladybug
Blooming
Elements
Froggy
Lion
Mad Cat
Squid
Tiny Shirt
Mushroom
Tiger Stripes
Gift Box
Rainbow
Monkey
Watermelon
Zig-Zag Spiral
Straight Line Spiral
Monkey
How to use tie-dye patterns
Use the patterns on this page by first learning the basic process. This is easiest done by reading our complete guide to tie-dyeing.
- Choose your favorite pattern
- Prepare your supplies and work area
- Wet, then wring out a cotton shirt
- Fold and tie the shirt according to the pattern
- Prepare your colors
- Apply dye to the fabric according to the pattern
- Let the dye react for 8 hours
- Rinse out the shirt
- Wash your tie-dye shirt
This is where art meets science. Use your own artistic touch to build on the pattern and create something in your own style. No matter how exactly you try, it’s near impossible to 100% recreate a pattern. All tie-dye shirts have a unique fingerprint.
How to design tie-dye shirts
Patterns come in many variations, but something you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. When this happens you may need to improvise. A pattern is the result of folding, tying, and dyeing a shirt. When repeated in the same way they produce a similar result.
First you should practice the basics a bit. Start with basic techniques until you get the hang of it. Start adding small variations to your designs. Compare and contrast your projects. You will soon understand how folding and color placement translates to the end result.
What makes a good tie-dye design?
The attractiveness of a shirt is purely subjective. We each have our own preferences. This is because some styles are contrasting. These are some words that could be used to describe the appearance of a tie-dye shirt:
Flashy
– Bright
– Bold
– Exciting
Elegant
– Soft
– Sophisticated
– Calming
If you’re more scientifically inclined you may have an interest for difficult and impressive techniques. Some characteristics you may find appealing in a tie-dye shirt:
- Color saturation and brightness
- Technical difficulty
- Quality of execution
What are tie-dye patterns
Basic patterns are often referred to by the folding technique they use. More complex or hard to describe patterns can be named according to the shape, color, or general appearance of the design.
Designs can be made with or for any shape, size, and arrangement of fabric. They are usually made on shirts or tapestries. Most patterns can be used interchangeably on any blanks.
Tapestries are flat pieces of fabric. It can be considered to be a two-dimensional object for the purpose of folding and dyeing. Garments, on the other hand, are usually three-dimensional objects.
Go further
Tie-dye is still quite new compared to many crafts. It’s still in its infancy in terms of what we’ve discovered so far. There are still many exciting developments to be had. Every year many new techniques are discovered. The evolution is tremendous and the future is exciting.
If you have experience in tie-dye we would love to know about it. Send us a message to share your knowledge of tie-dye with the whole community.
There has never been a better time to learn and share tie-dye. No matter your experience you can help us grow the tie-dye community. Participate in group chat and show us your newest creations. We are all waiting for passionate people like you.
