Create Stunning Galaxy, Marble and Rainbow Tie-Dye T-Shirts at Home

Prepare for a delightful summer filled with sunshine and lasting memories with three fresh tie-dye techniques. Discover the nostalgic art of creating galaxy, marble and rainbow patterns, all from the comfort of your own home, making it a fantastic activity to enjoy with your children. Get ready to embark on a colorful journey of creativity and fun!

Get ready to grab some bleach and use a spiral twist application for a tie-dye look that’s out of this world!

Follow these steps to create space-inspired tye-dye tees.

Step 1. Gather your supplies.
These include:

• Dark or black t-shirt
• Rubber bands (if needed)
• Bleach
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Hair dryer or heat gun
• All-purpose, one-spray fabric dye
• Fabric spray paint
• Apron and rubber gloves
• Plastic sheet for inside the shirt and as a protective table covering

Step 2: Prep your shirt and work area.

• Wash and dry the shirt so that it’s a clean canvas for the galaxy tie-dye process.
• Insert a sheet of plastic inside the shirt to prevent bleach and dye from bleeding through.
• Place a plastic cover over your work surface to protect it. Tip: Since you’ll be using bleach, work outside or in a ventilated area.

Step 3: Create your galaxy-inspired design.

• Pinch your shirt at the center of the fabric where you want the center of the galaxy design to be.
• Twist the fabric into a spiral shape by continuing to twist the pinched section multiple times in the same direction. This will naturally create a galaxy-like shape. You might want to use a rubber band to hold the spiral in place.

Step 4: Create your galaxy-inspired design with bleach.

• First, mix equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle for a 50/50 solution.
• Then, spray the bleach mixture onto the twisted part of your t-shirt, focusing more of the bleach-and-water solution on the pinched center section to mimic the look of a galaxy.
• Use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed up the bleaching process. This also makes the color change visible, so your kids can see the bleach interacting with their unique design!

Step 5: Continue to bleach and watch your galaxy design.

• Untwist the shirt carefully and observe the fabric color as it changes.
• You can add more bleach to enhance the depth and look of your galaxy design.
• Use the hair dryer or heat gun as needed to speed up the fabric bleaching process.
• Once the shirt has the galaxy look you like, wash out the bleach by hand-rinsing the shirt in cold water. Then, dry the shirt on low in the dryer or air-dry it.

Step 6: Apply your fabric dye to make your galaxy really out of this world.

• If you’ve purchased a spray bottle dye kit, follow the instructions to prepare each color. Usually, you’ll fill each bottle with water to the black line and shake for about a minute to dissolve the dye powder. Tip: Choose a kit with five to seven colors to allow for greater creativity.
• Insert a fresh piece of plastic inside the shirt to prevent the dye from bleeding through to the other side.
  Let your kids get creative, as they spray a variety of dye colors onto the shirt, for an awesome abstract galaxy design. There are no set rules for this step; apply the colors freely and experiment with different combos!

Step 6: Take the time to set your galaxy colors.

• This step requires patience! Let the dye set on the shirt for six to eight hours. This allows the colors to fully saturate the fabric and create vibrant, long-lasting results.

Step 7: Add unique finishing touches.

• Once the shirt has set, accent it by spritzing fabric spray paint in "white," "snow" or "glitter" to create the effect of stars and faraway planets.
• Let the paint set according to the instructions.

Step 8: Launder and wear your out-of-this-world galaxy t-shirt!

• Finally, wash and dry the shirt according to the shirt and dye instructions to set the colors permanently and remove any excess dye.
• Enjoy your personalized galaxy tie-dye creation!

Everyone loves marbles! That’s why your kids will love creating a unique swirling effect on a shirt or tote bag, using dyes, shaving cream and a super-easy microwaving process.

Follow these steps to create marble-inspired tye-dye tees.

Step 1: Gather your supplies, including:

• White or light-colored t-shirt, bag or other item made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen, or synthetics like rayon and nylon
• Stirring stick and spatula
• Baking pan sheet
• Measuring spoons and measuring cups (if needed)
• Squeeze bottles or medicine droppers
• Microwave-safe container
• Microwave
• Shaving cream
• All-purpose fabric dye
• Apron and rubber gloves
• Plastic wrap
• Paper towels
• Plastic (or cardboard) sheet for inside the shirt and as a protective table covering

Step 2: Prep your shirt and work area.

• Wash the tee in warm, soapy water and dry the shirt until it’s still slightly damp to ensure it’s clean and ready for the marbling tie-dye process.
• Insert a sheet of plastic (or cardboard) inside the shirt to prevent the dye from bleeding through.
  Place a plastic cover over your work surface to protect it.

Step 3: Prep your marbling pan.

• If you’ve purchased a dye kit, follow the instructions to prepare the dye. Typically, you’ll fill each bottle with hot water to the black line and shake for about a minute to dissolve the dye powder. Transfer each color into a squeeze bottle or medicine dropper. Tip: Choose a kit with five to seven colors to allow for greater creativity.
• Next, fill your baking tray (one for each kid!) with shaving cream. They’ll love this next part: Smooth the shaving cream with your hands or a spatula.

Step 4: Unleash your creativity with your dye pattern!

• Now, let your kids create their own version of a favorite marble! Simply select your colors and drip them all over the shaving cream surface.
• Then, swirl the drops with your stirring stick.

Step 5: Apply the marbling pattern to the shirt.

• Place the front of the short on top of the shaving cream pan.
• Apply light pressure to smooth the shirt.
• Let the shirt sit on the pan for one to two minutes.

Step 6: Remove the shirt from the shaving cream pan.

• Slowly lift the t-shirt from the pan.
• Scrape off the excess foam using a spatula or your fingers.

Step 7: Set the marble pattern with microwave heat.

• Wrap your marbled t-shirt in plastic wrap and seal the edges.
• Place the wrapped t-shirt on paper towels or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
• Heat it for one to two minutes.
• You’ll notice the plastic puff up, creating a chamber that helps the due bond with your t-shirt fabric.
• Remove the t-shirt from the microwave and open the plastic, to let the shirt cool down.
• Rinse the t-shirt in cool water until the water runs clear.

Step 8: Wash and wear your one-of-a-kind marbled t-shirt!

• Finally, launder the shirt according to the shirt and dye instructions. If you can, we recommend hand-washing the garment.
• Show off your customized marble t-shirt.

Rainbows can be as unique as each of our personalities! Whether your kids want to create a traditional rainbow or use their own set of colors, everyone will love this nature-inspired shirt.

Follow these steps to create vibrant rainbow tie-dye masterpieces!

Step 1: If you’re new to tie-dyeing, refer to our handy article, “How to Tie Dye in 7 Easy Steps,” to view the list of supplies you need and the easy steps to tie-dyeing a t-shirt.

Step 2: Set your t-shirt up.

• Lay your light or white-colored t-shirt flat on your work surface.
• Then, fold your t-shirt in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Start creating your rainbow!

• Use a washable market to draw half of a rainbow arch on the folded edge.
• Start making small accordion pleats at one end of your rainbow line.
• As you move along the drawn line, fold the pleats so the marker line looks straight atop the folds. As you move toward the outside section, make the pleats slightly deeper. On the inside section, make the pleats shallower. That way, you’re following the rainbow’s curves.

Step 4: Rubber band your way to the rainbow.

• Now that the pleating’s done, secure it with a large rubber band. Place a band on the drawn line, and then add more on the inside or outside selection to personalize your rainbow.

Step 5: Apply your unique color scheme.

• Whether your kids want to follow the traditional order of the colors of the rainbow, or create something totally unique, apply the dye in the order you want them to appear.

These three tie-dye techniques offer a world of creativity and fun for the summer season. Whether you go galactic, whirl and twirl with our fun marble tie-dye technique, soak your t-shirt in a burst of rainbow colors or try all three the possibilities for creating unique and vibrant designs are endless. Engage your kids in these nostalgic art forms and embark on a colorful journey of self-expression and lasting memories with at-home tie-dyeing fun.

If you want to explore the world of tie-dye, we’ve got a wealth of affordable blank items to try out! Aside from t-shirts, Threadsy offers an extensive range of cotton products that are perfect for DIY tie dye projects at home.

• Cotton canvas tote bags
• Towels
• Sweatshirts (look for an 80/20 cotton blend or 100% cotton)
• Cotton twill aprons
• Cotton tank tops
• Cotton hats

The possibilities for tie dyeing are endless! We’re excited to offer you wholesale rates on our entire range of blank apparel, with no minimum order requirements. This allows you to explore a wide selection of clothing options at affordable prices. Remember to enjoy the process and don't hesitate to share your finished creations with us. We love seeing what you create using Threadsy products!