10 best tie dye kits for 2023: create the perfect rainbow look

Tie dying is a method of dying which creates patterns by tieing certain parts of the item up to shield it from the dye. It's a craft that always reminds us of the 70's hippy movement but it's found new ground in recent years, and luckily there are lots of tie dye kits around so we can create our very own colourful masterpieces.

What to look for in a tie dye kit

Are you new to the art of tie dying? There are tie dye kits aimed at beginners, kids and more advanced crafters so you can find a kit to suit your ability/age bracket. Make sure to check what's included too so you don't have to buy lots of additional materials, or stock up on kit you've already got! You'll find many of the kits come with squeezy bottles but you may have your own you can use.

There are also a range of sustainable and eco-friendly tie dying kits. These kits use natural powders, glass or cardboard packaging and second-hand pieces to dye.

Finally, consider colour choice. Find a tie dye kit that's packed with colours you love so you can show off your new creations with pride!

Whatever tie dye kit you choose we promise you'll have great fun upcycling your old clothes into something new! We've rounded up 10 of the best tie dye kits so you can start tie dying at home.

We've also created a complete guide on how to tie dye right here on Gathered if you want to try it yourself rather than purchase a tie dye kit.

Best tie dye kits at a glance

Best for teens and tweens FabLab tie dye kit

Best for vegan, sustainable crafting Rainbow natural dye kit bundle

Best for quick, fuss-free dying Tumble craft and fabric tie-dye kit

Best for kids! Tybo tie-dye design studio craft kit

Best for advanced dyers wanting to try something new DIY tie dye T-shirt kit

Best for easy use TBC's tie dye kit

Best value for money Winsons' tie dye kit

Best botanical tie dye kit Natural bundle tie dye kit

Best for on the go crafters DIY tie dye kit tin

Best for advanced dyers wanting to try something new Eco-friendly tie dye kit

For more tie dye inspiration, learn how to crumple tie dye!

Main image: by Erin Calaway from FreeImages

Best Tie Dye kits for 2023

FabLab tie dye kit

Best for teens and tweens

This tie dye kit is fab for the whole family to play with. Suitable for ages 8+ it comes with four colours and all the protective equipment you need to start dying. For a faff-free craft session, the coloured dye mixture comes in its own plastic applicator bottle and you've got purple, turquoise, magenta and yellow to play around with. The kit also includes elastic bands, a pair of gloves and a handy instruction booklet.

Whatever you fancy brightening up - a top, jumper, jeans or even a pair of socks - this tie dye kit from FabLab is sure to help you unleash your creativity. With enough dye for roughly five T-shirts, the FabLab kit would make a fun group activity.

Pros: Applicator bottles for easy use, vibrant dye colours

Cons: Not suitable for young crafters

We've gathered even more craft ideas for little ones in our paper crafts for kids post so make sure to head over!

Rainbow Natural Dye Kit Bundle

Best for vegan, sustainable crafting

• Buy now from Etsy (£49.04)

For a more natural approach to tie dying why not pick up The Love of Colours natural or indigo kit? This natural kit will allow you to dye four items (anything natural, it won't work on synthetic fibre). You'll need to purchase the indigo kit to be able to dye every colour of the rainbow. Natural indigo cannot be dyed in the same way as the other colours. It must be used to create a "living" vat, which is achieved through a sort of fermentation process. This is why you'll need both kits!

Pros: Great for dying yarn, beautiful mix of rainbow colours

Cons: Doesn't work on synthetic materials

Tumble Craft and Fabric Tie-Dye Kit

Best for quick, fuss-free dying

For a fuss-free approach to tie dying we'd recommend these tumble dye kits. Containing three 2fl oz. spray bottles, it's a five-step method to use these spray bottles. First, shake the bottles, then tie your item into the pattern you want, spray your chosen colour on and leave to air dry. Once it's dry iron to set the colour in place and admire your newly tie dyed item.

Pros: Easy spray application, ideal for stencil art

Cons: Requires iron

Tybo Tie-Dye Design Studio Craft Kit

Best for kids!

The best tie dye kits are the ones that make the least mess and if you've got little ones with you then you know how messy it can get! This ingenious kit by Tybo uses a magic mixing orb to create your designs making it an all-encompassing tie dye kit. Plus the kids will love turning the handle to create their design. A great tie dye kit for jazzing up an old canvas bag, or of course you can go for the classic T-shirt.

Suitable for 6+, why not bring this fun gadget out for your child's birthday party? Entertainment sorted!

Pros: Unique and engaging kit, perfect for kids' parties

Cons: May not work for larger items of clothing

For more creative projects check out our craft ideas for kids post which is full of easy and affordable tutorials.

DIY tie dye T-Shirt kit

Best for advanced dyers wanting to try something new

• Buy now from Etsy (£26.55)

This is the most calming tie dye kit we've found on the market. Everything you need comes in the kit. You can choose from three nature-inspired colours, blushing coral, desert sage, indigo, earth rose. We've got lots of sustainable projects here on Gathered including our recycled craft ideas round up and how to make t shirt yarn tutorial.

Pros: Soothing colours, super gift option

Cons: Only 3 colour options

TBC's tie dye kit

Best for easy use

This kit by TBC is great because of its super simple instructions. It comes with eight different colours each with its own squeezy bottle. As their instructions say just add water, apply your dye to your t-shirt, tie it up, leave for 6-8 hours and rinse!

Pros: Great value, plenty of colour options

Cons: Lots of plastic in kit

Winsons' tie dye kit

Best value for money

Winsons have created a kit that has eight beautiful and vibrant colours inside. By mixing their bright oranges and pinks you'll be able to create stunning designs on a range of fabrics.

Pros: Budget-friendly kit, suitable for a range of cotton products

Natural bundle tie dye kit

Best botanical tie dye kit

• Buy now from Etsy (£47.27)

Make your very own beautiful silk tie dye scarf with this gorgeous kit available from Etsy. The kit includes the silk scarf and the dried flowers (black hollyhock, red hibiscus, marigolds and chamomile) and it's a straightforward way to experiment with natural dye. Once you've got the hang of it, you can try using your own flowers!

Pros: Scarf included, includes natural dye

Cons: Cheesecloth required

For more ways to create a standout, crafty wardrobe, discover how to update your wardrobe with embroidery.

DIY tie dye kit tin

Best for on the go crafters

• Buy now from Etsy (£11.99)

Craft supplies in a handy little tin? Yes, please! This tie-dye kit by Spinning Hat Gifts would make a great stocking stuffer for crafty kids. It comes with pink, yellow and cyan dye bottles, elesatic bands and gloves - all you need is a white item to get creative with.

Pros: Convenient tin for easy travel, perfect gift size for wrapping

Cons: Only three dye colours

Eco-friendly tie dye kit

Best for advanced dyers wanting to try something new

• Buy now from Etsy (£23.89+)

Inspired by Japanese shibori and ice dyeing, this kit is both eco-friendly and available in four beautiful colourways. Choose between the cherry blossom, fruiti-tutti, pastel and rainbow pack and use the dyes for whatever form of dyeing you fancy. Kazahana Dye House even says you could use it to ice dye your yarn!

Pros: Ideal for quilters, recyclable/biodegradable kit

Cons: Potentially messy!

The benefits of buying a tie dye kit

Craft kits are always a brilliant starting point if you're new to a particular craft. You can follow instructions, discover the essential materials and tools and get stuck in straight away! A tie dye kit is also a super way to explore more specialised tie dye techniques such as botanical patterns, plus, they can help you find your preferred method.

Find your next crafting kit with Gathered!

We hope you've enjoyed our best tie dying kits round-up! If you're into crafting kits then we have a whole range of buyers' guides here on Gathered. Head to our guide to punch needle kits for lots of easy, at-home craft ideas.