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    Home » Lifestyle » DIY

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar

    Published: Jun 7, 2014 · Modified: Jun 23, 2020 · This post may contain affiliate links

    6.3K shares
    • 109

    We love this project How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar. We are so excited about this DIY project that is perfect for summer!

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar! An easy non toxic way to tie dye! #summer #DixieCrystals

    It was so much fun to create and we couldn't wait to share it with you! This is a tie-dye idea that kids of any age can create with sugar. What?  yep, you simply sprinkle sugar to create the design and then spray fabric dye over the shirt.

    Allow the shirt to dry (the hardest part) and then you quickly have your very own custom designed tie-dyed t-shirt!  We love that there are no chemicals involved and that the kids can really get their hands into this project with no concern!

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar! An easy non toxic way to tie dye! #summer #DixieCrystals

    Making this tie dye t-shirts with sugar was as easy as 1-2-3.  First we visited our local craft store and picked up a box of tumble dye Tie-Dye (we purchased sei brand).

    Next we picked up some plain white T-shirts at the dollar store and finally some Dixie Crystals Granulated Sugar at the grocery store.

    Supplies for Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar #DixieCrystals

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar

    Supplies:

    • Tumble Dry Cold Water Tie Die (we used sei brand), $9.99
    • Dixie Crystals Granulated Sugar
    • White Tshirts
    • Damp Paper Towels or a Water Bottle
    • Cardboard
    • Newspaper

    Directions:

    1. Begin by cutting some cardboard and placing inside a white t-shirt to keep the tie dye from bleeding through.
    2. Cover your flat surface with newspaper or other protective surface (This is a great outside project, especially when working with kids!)
    3. Wet a paper towel and dab it over the shirt to lightly dampen it or use a spray bottle and lightly spritz. This will create a more tie-dye look and will keep the sugar from blowing away.
    4. Sprinkle sugar over the shirt to create your design or you can just sprinkle in random spots.
    5. Shake Dye well before using.
    6. Spray dye over the shirt. Be careful not to blow the sugar off the t-shirt. We chose to create a thick line of sugar so there was no concern of the sugar blowing off plus it gave us a nice design.
    7. Allow the t-shirt dry completely before removing it off of the cardboard (this took an hour outside and more time inside).
    8. Rinse the sugar off of the t-shirt in cold water (we used kitchen sink).
    9. If you are using sei Tumble Dye then you just put the shirt in the dryer to set the color.

    The sei tie dye kit costs only $9.99 and I used a 40% off coupon.  Each kit makes a total of 12 T-shirts so this is a really affordable summer project!    We hope you enjoy this "sweet" twist to the traditional tie-dye t-shirts.

     

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar! An easy non toxic way to tie dye! #summer #DixieCrystals

    It was so easy to make our shirts and a lot of fun!  This would be an easy craft for a birthday party or perfect to create field day T-shirts at school.  I loved that the sei tie dye is non toxic and by using the sugar to create the design the kids are really able to get their hands into this project!  Perfect for summer fun!

    How to Tie Dye T-Shirts with Sugar! An easy non toxic way to tie dye! #summer #DixieCrystals

     

    How To Tie Dye With Sugar

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Dixie Crystals however all opinions are 100% our own.  Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South's choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Their pure cane sugar products are all natural, non-GMO and provide consistently delicious results.

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    Melissa Jennings

    Melissa is a football and soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 24 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. samantha wagner

      June 07, 2014 at 7:24 pm

      Thats a really cool idea. I'm always looking for a craft to do with my kids

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:00 pm

        Thanks! We hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Katrina Weghorn

      June 07, 2014 at 8:07 pm

      This is a cute idea! I like the idea of doing a tie dye t-shirt with sugar with my son, he'd probably enjoy the "hands on" time for sure, plus he could wear it after and be proud!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:01 pm

        Thanks! Yes, Peyton won't take it off! I see us making more in the near future!

        Reply
    3. Sherryl Wilson

      June 07, 2014 at 8:11 pm

      I would agree that the hardest part would be leaving it alone long enough to dry! My crew would want to wear them.

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:01 pm

        Yes, that was hard. Luckily it was hot out and it didn't take too long.

        Reply
    4. Jane

      June 07, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      Wow! I love this idea! I would have never thought of Tie Dye with sugar!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:02 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    5. Maralea

      June 08, 2014 at 9:50 am

      My sister and I used to tye dye shirts all the time when we were youger. I love the idea of using sugar!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:02 pm

        It is so much fun and love that it is non toxic!

        Reply
    6. Heather Hernandez

      June 08, 2014 at 11:57 am

      So cool - I didn't know you can tie-dye with sugar!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 1:04 pm

        Yay! Glad you found out through us! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Amee

      June 08, 2014 at 8:54 pm

      very cool trick, didn't know sugar can be used to tie-dye.

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 08, 2014 at 9:14 pm

        Thanks Amee! It was a lot of fun!

        Reply
    8. petra

      June 08, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Tie-dye is like science and art combined, and this method is super kid-friendly! I love the finished product!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 09, 2014 at 10:35 am

        I love when you can combine Science and Art for some summer learning 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    9. Kristina & Millie

      June 08, 2014 at 10:34 pm

      LOVE this! Too cool I had no idea you could use sugar to tie dye! I have to try this for sure! If you haven't hope you will stop by our Snickerdoodle Sunday!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 09, 2014 at 10:35 am

        Thanks Kristina and Millie! You will have to let us know how it turns out for you!

        Reply
    10. Sherryl Wilson

      June 08, 2014 at 10:38 pm

      We are going to try making these this week. I like the thought of using sugar instead of bleach since the little ones will be making their own shirts. I can't wait to show them off!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 09, 2014 at 10:34 am

        Me too! It was so nice to make this without chemicals!

        Reply
    11. Steph

      June 09, 2014 at 9:51 am

      Very cute idea! Adding these sugar tye dye shirts to our summer to do list with the kids! They will love them!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 09, 2014 at 10:27 am

        Thanks Stephanie! Let us know how it goes!

        Reply
    12. Kathy H.

      June 09, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      Love this...hope to be able to try when my sister and nephew come at the end of the month...

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 10, 2014 at 10:09 am

        They will love it! You all could make special shirts to remember your visit!

        Reply
    13. Maralea

      June 09, 2014 at 4:55 pm

      How fun! Love this idea!!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 10, 2014 at 10:36 am

        Thanks Maralea!

        Reply
    14. Lauren

      June 09, 2014 at 8:59 pm

      I had no idea you could do this! How fun! I am def. going to try this with my kids this summer!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 10, 2014 at 10:39 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Alison Gibb

      June 09, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      This looks like so much fun! I remember tye-dying when I was camp a million years ago!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 10, 2014 at 10:40 am

        Me too! Love this non toxic version 🙂

        Reply
    16. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor

      June 11, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      Such a FUN idea, Melissa! Thank you bunches for linking up and partying with us!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 12, 2014 at 3:49 pm

        Thanks Kristi!

        Reply
    17. Laura |Baking Outside the Box

      June 13, 2014 at 7:58 pm

      Very clever tie dye method and thrifty too. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 17, 2014 at 10:16 am

        Thanks Laura!

        Reply
    18. Antionette Blake

      June 14, 2014 at 11:21 pm

      What a neat idea, I just finished a tie dye DIY but doing it the old fashion way with @RitDye. Thanks for posting this at the @WWDParty.

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 17, 2014 at 10:16 am

        You are welcome! This is such an easy and non toxic tie dye method. We loved it.

        Reply
    19. Kathe

      June 26, 2014 at 7:49 am

      Seems to be less messy than the original way

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        June 28, 2014 at 8:11 pm

        Yes, for sure!

        Reply
    20. Claire Rheinheimer

      July 19, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      This is awesome! I'm doing this with my 3 year old son and teenage daughter as soon as I get the stuff!

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        July 27, 2014 at 2:15 pm

        I hope they enjoy it!

        Reply
    21. KAREN F

      August 03, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      this intrigued me. I've never done any tie-dye and want to do a project. Why SUGAR (other than the company provided info)? would SALT work?

      Reply
      • Melissa@StockpilingMoms

        August 03, 2014 at 5:32 pm

        That is a great question. You could try it and let us know. I bet it would work though.

        Reply

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