The tie-dye supplies calculator estimates the dye, soda ash, rubber bands, and gloves needed for your tie-dye project based on the number and size of garments.
Calculate Tie-Dye Supplies
How to Calculate Tie-Dye Supplies
Pre-soak garments in soda ash solution (1 cup soda ash per gallon warm water) for 15-20 minutes. Wring out (don't rinse) and fold/twist/bind with rubber bands. Apply dye in squeeze bottles, wrap in plastic, and cure 6-8 hours (or overnight) before rinsing.
Dye Mixing Ratios
For a basic squeeze bottle: dissolve 1-2 tsp fiber-reactive dye powder in 1 cup (240mL) warm water with a small squeeze of synthrapol (dye detergent). Use distilled water for the best color saturation. Mix dye fresh before each session — mixed dye loses potency within 24 hours.
FAQ
How much fiber-reactive dye do I need?
For an adult T-shirt, use approximately 1-1.5 teaspoons of dye powder dissolved in 1 cup of water per color. Darker colors (black, navy, burgundy) may need 2-3 tsp for full saturation. Yellow and orange naturally produce paler hues and need less dye than darks.
How much soda ash do I need for tie-dye?
Use 1 cup (240g) of soda ash per gallon of water for the pre-soak solution. One gallon accommodates 4-6 adult shirts. Pre-soak for 15-20 minutes, wring out but don't rinse — the soda ash activates the fiber-reactive dye to bond with cotton permanently.
Do I need to use soda ash?
Yes, for fiber-reactive dyes on cotton. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) raises the pH of the fabric to ~10.5, which allows the dye to form a permanent covalent bond with cotton fibers. Without soda ash, the dye washes out. Alternative: add soda ash directly to the dye mixture (urea-water method).
Is this tie-dye calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup needed.