We researched the best tie-dye kits, considering the skill level, compatible materials, and color options of each. Our best overall option, the Tulip One-Step 5 Color Tie-Dye Kit, includes enough dye for 30 projects with beginner-friendly instructions, and all the materials needed to get started. Here, the best tie-dye kits available now. There are several versions of One-Step 5 Color kit, each with its own color scheme, including Carousel, Mermaid, Neon, Rainbow, Shibori, and Ultimate. Even though each pack comes with only five hues, they’re mixable, allowing you to create a wide range of colors and shades. The kit also includes rubber bands, gloves, and a how-to guide. All in all, you’ll have enough supplies for up to 30 tie-dye projects. Price at time of publish: $20 Compatible Materials: Best and brightest on natural fiber fabrics | Skill Level: Beginner | Quantity: 5 In addition to the Original Tie-Dye Kit, Rit also offers single-hue ColorPerfect kits to add to your collection and mix unique colors for your projects. Each of these tie-dye kits comes with a bottle of pre-mixed dye with three different applicator heads. Price at time of publish: $19 Compatible Materials: Best on cotton | Skill Level: Beginner | Quantity: 3 This kit comes with 24 bright just-add-water dye colors, each clearly labeled in its own squeeze bottle. With ten pairs of plastic gloves, 120 rubber bands, and two table covers, it’s ideal for a family craft or sleepover party. Like most tie-dye kits, Vanstek recommends using it with cotton or rayon, as natural materials display the colors better than synthetics. Price at time of publish: $31 Compatible Materials: Cotton, rayon, wool | Skill Level: Beginner | Quantity: 24 As with Tulip’s One-Step 5 Color kit, there’s no need to presoak materials before dyeing them, and the dyes are activated with water. This bundle has enough supplies for up to 90 projects, so it’s perfect for a on-going at-home hobby or classroom or birthday party activity. In addition to 30 pigmented dyes, you’ll get 100 rubber bands, 10 sets of gloves, and a plastic table cover. Price at time of publish: $70 Compatible Materials: Best and brightest on natural fiber fabrics | Skill Level: Beginner | Quantity: 30 With easy-to-follow instructions, this kit is suitable for both beginners and seasoned tie-dyers. The bottles are clearly labeled, which saves time, and the dyes are activated with water and a quick shake. Whether you want to dye a tank top, sweatpants, a hoodie, a hat, a scarf, a headband, bedding, curtains, cotton baby clothes, or a pair of canvas shoes, this dye kit is not only safe but also efficient. Price at time of publish: N/A Compatible Materials: Natural fiber fabrics | Skill Level: Beginner to expert | Quantity: 26 To get the reverse effect, you use the rubber bands to tie up the material, just like with a traditional tie-dye project. Then you add the color-changer solution and let it sit until it reaches a shade you like. After that, wash the garment, allow it to dry, and see the striking results. Price at time of publish: $13 Compatible Materials: Natural fiber fabrics | Skill Level: Intermediate | Quantity: 4 You’ll also get vinyl gloves, rubber bands, soda ash dye fixer, four mixing bottles, and a DVD that demonstrates different folding and tying patterns. (The content is also available on YouTube.) Cotton, wool, and other natural materials are recommended to use with the Jacquard Tie-Dye Kit. It comes with enough dye for up to 15 adult-sized T-shirts, but you can use it to tie-dye a variety of items. Price at time of publish: $55 for 2-pack Compatible Materials: Not listed | Skill Level: Any | Quantity: 3 Each pre-mixed, water-based color comes in its own spray bottle, which simplifies the dyeing process and creates less mess. Not only can you skip the soaking, but you don’t even need to wash the garments after spraying them. Just throw them in the dryer for about 20 minutes, and you’re good to go. While this kit doesn’t include gloves or rubber bands, it comes with enough dye to personalize up to 32 T-shirts. Price at time of publish: $20 Compatible Materials: Not listed | Skill Level: Intermediate | Quantity: 8 After dyeing your pillowcase or tote, you’ll have enough dye for up to four more small items. Bear in mind that with this kit, you’re limited to yellow dye, as it’s the natural hue of turmeric. But this doesn’t mean you can’t create beautiful, eye-catching pieces. You’ll also have the bonus of supporting a small business. Price at time of publish: $42 Compatible Materials: Pillowcase or tote bag | Skill Level: Beginners or kids with supervision | Quantity: 1
Skill Level
Luckily, most tie-dye kits are very beginner-friendly with helpful instructions, inspiration guides, or even follow-along videos. This means most options are suitable for both kids and adults. When tie-dyeing with kids, always confirm that the ingredients are nontoxic and child-safe.
Color Selection
Consider which colors you want to tie-dye with. Some of our favorites have upwards of 30 colors, so the color palette opportunities are endless. If your kit features fewer colors, feel free to mix different dyes to achieve the desired hue. If you’re just beginning, look for kits with primary colors (red, yellow, blue) so that mixing new colors is possible and easy.
Why Trust the Spruce Crafts?
Theresa Holland has been writing for The Spruce brands since 2019. She’s always loved arts and crafts and has a deep appreciation for high-quality writing utensils. You can check out more of her work on MyDomaine. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce brands covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
