We are so excited about this DIY project that is perfect for summer! 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!
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.
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:
- Begin by cutting some cardboard and placing inside a white t-shirt to keep the tie dye from bleeding through.
- Cover your flat surface with newspaper or other protective surface (This is a great outside project, especially when working with kids!)
- 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.
- Sprinkle sugar over the shirt to create your design or you can just sprinkle in random spots.
- Shake Dye well before using.
- 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.
- Allow the t-shirt dry completely before removing it off of the cardboard (this took an hour outside and more time inside).
- Rinse the sugar off of the t-shirt in cold water (we used kitchen sink).
- 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.
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!
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.
Melissa is a soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 21 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.
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Thats a really cool idea. I’m always looking for a craft to do with my kids
Thanks! We hope you enjoy!
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!
Thanks! Yes, Peyton won’t take it off! I see us making more in the near future!
I would agree that the hardest part would be leaving it alone long enough to dry! My crew would want to wear them.
Yes, that was hard. Luckily it was hot out and it didn’t take too long.
Wow! I love this idea! I would have never thought of Tie Dye with sugar!
Thanks!
My sister and I used to tye dye shirts all the time when we were youger. I love the idea of using sugar!
It is so much fun and love that it is non toxic!
So cool – I didn’t know you can tie-dye with sugar!
Yay! Glad you found out through us! 🙂
very cool trick, didn’t know sugar can be used to tie-dye.
Thanks Amee! It was a lot of fun!
Tie-dye is like science and art combined, and this method is super kid-friendly! I love the finished product!
I love when you can combine Science and Art for some summer learning 🙂 Thanks!
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!
Thanks Kristina and Millie! You will have to let us know how it turns out for you!
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!
Me too! It was so nice to make this without chemicals!
Very cute idea! Adding these sugar tye dye shirts to our summer to do list with the kids! They will love them!
Thanks Stephanie! Let us know how it goes!
Love this…hope to be able to try when my sister and nephew come at the end of the month…
They will love it! You all could make special shirts to remember your visit!
How fun! Love this idea!!
Thanks Maralea!
I had no idea you could do this! How fun! I am def. going to try this with my kids this summer!
Enjoy!
This looks like so much fun! I remember tye-dying when I was camp a million years ago!
Me too! Love this non toxic version 🙂
Such a FUN idea, Melissa! Thank you bunches for linking up and partying with us!
Thanks Kristi!
Very clever tie dye method and thrifty too. Thanks!
Thanks Laura!
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.
You are welcome! This is such an easy and non toxic tie dye method. We loved it.
Seems to be less messy than the original way
Yes, for sure!
This is awesome! I’m doing this with my 3 year old son and teenage daughter as soon as I get the stuff!
I hope they enjoy it!
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?
That is a great question. You could try it and let us know. I bet it would work though.