Published Date April 24, 2019
We don't know about you, but we're super into pastel tie dye right now. Of course tie dye is usually known for being super psychedelic, ultra bright and always crazy fun, but sometimes a more muted look is just what we're in the mood for. Pastel tie dye gives a high-fashion vibe whether you're rocking traditional tie-dye patterns or more avant-garde looks. Plus it's super easy to do yourself, so no need to rush out and spend a small fortune on something bought from a store! Here's a roundup of 10 pastel tie-dye ideas, all made with tie-dye techniques you can find right here on tiedyeyoursummer.com.
How to make your own pastel tie-dye colors: mix up your Tulip Tie Dyes according to the instructions in your kit. Once mixed, carefully open the bottles and pour some of each dye into a plastic cup (1 per color in case you want to save the dye). Refill the tie-dye bottles with water and replace caps, then shake to mix and dilute colors. Repeat until your desired shades are achieved.
- Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit of choice
- Plastic cups for diluting tie dye
- Disposable plastic surface cover
- 100% cotton white fabric item to tie dye
Dip dye is one of the easiest tie-dye techniques out there - no folding or binding required - and it looks so chic! These shorts feature a pastel green more diluted on top and more concentrated on the lower half for a fab ombre effect. You can use the Moody Blues Tie-Dye Kit for this look, or try the 1-Color Kit in Teal (or whatever color you like)!
Another technique that works great for achieving a pastel tie-dye look is the Ice Dye Technique. We crumpled up a pair of white denim jean shorts (make sure they are cotton) and added a variety of One-Step Dye colors in the process. Tip: using less dye powder over the ice will give you a lighter pastel look in the end. Try the Luau Kit or Bright Kit for this look.
We love the Shibori Tie-Dye Technique because it's super high fashion and always produces the most interesting effects, whether you are tie dyeing a T-shirt, blouse, jeans or shorts. Create a similar pastel tie-dye look using the Shibori technique and diluting dye colors from the Mermaid Tie-Dye Kit or Carousel Tie Dye Kit.
If you're vibing on the Shibori Tie-Dye Technique like we are, why not try a dress? The great thing about a tie-dye dress is that it can be dressed up or down and worn for almost any occasion! Create your own pastel shibori tie-dye dress using the the Moody Blues Tie-Dye Kit or any of your favorite 1-Color Kits.
Speaking of dresses, how fun is this pastel blue bullseye dress?! It kind of looks like a beautiul explosion of color! Grab a white cotton maxi dress, check out the Bullseye Tie Dye Technique (which is soooo easy) and make your own for a summer soiree or just because! Get this look with the Turquoise 1-Color Tie-Dye Kit.
Jeans are a wardobe staple - we all wear them! Change up traditional tie dye with a pair of tie-dye jeans in pretty pastel hues. This look is so easy to recreate using the Crumple Tie Dye Technique and the Moody Blues Tie Dye Kit on a white pair of cotton jeans.
This version of the Dip Dye Technique uses two coordinating dye colors. It's totally fine to add one dye color over another, you'll just want to make sure to dip your article of clothing in the lighter dye color first, then the darker color above or below it. Keep basic color theory in mind when mixing colors - choose shades that blend nicely together instead of turning muddy brown (unless brown is what you are going for)! You can create this look using the Moody Blues Tie Dye Kit. (We know we keep mentioning this kit, but it's just so awesome, especially for pastel tie dye!)
Summertime calls for staying cool in tie-dye looks like this tank top created with the Ice Dye Technique. You can keep on using the Moody Blues Kit, or you can try other summery options like Paradise Punch.
You can also tote your stuff around in style with a pastel tie-dye tote! Perfect for a day at the beach, brunch with friends or hitting the farmer's market for some fresh eats, this tie-dye tote bag will have everyone talking. The Stripes Tie Dye Technique is a great pattern for tote bags ... brighten things up by creating pastel shades using the Ultimate Kit.
And finally, whether making your own tie dye sarong, tie dye swimsuit coverup or a cool tapestry for your wall, we're big fans of using lots of color! Since there was a lot of fabric to work with, we chose to mix things up with a freeform combination of Bullseye String Patterns with some winding pleats in between. Once you bind your fabric, add lots of color from your favorite Party Kit using the Ice Dye Technique for pastel effects.
