Ice Tie-Dye Napkins Four Ways

A tie-dye DIY so simple it only takes three ingredients: powder fabric dye, cotton napkins and ice.

Woman Holds Up Green, Yellow Tie-Dye Napkin in Shibori Pattern

Ice Tie-Dye: Shibori

HGTV Handmade's A.V. Perkins shares four techniques to tie-dye cotton napkins with ice. To make your own, you will need: powder fabric dye, cotton napkins, ice, scrap cardboard, rubber bands, a roasting rack, container lid and protective gloves.

From: HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Christine Han

Christine Han

Tie-dye is a trend that's here to stay. Create a summery tablescape with bright, colorful napkins that take less time to make at home than you might think. Learn how to tie-dye using ice in a matter of minutes with a step-by-step guide by HGTV Handmade’s A.V. Perkins. Then make four different patterns to impress: Shibori, twist and turn, triangle and classic crumple.

Pastel Table Setting With Tie-Dye Napkins Folded Beside Pink Plates

Ice Tie-Dye Napkins

HGTV Handmade's A.V. Perkins shares four techniques to tie-dye cotton napkins with ice. To make your own, you will need: powder fabric dye, cotton napkins, ice, scrap cardboard, rubber bands, a roasting rack, container lid and protective gloves.

From: HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Christine Han

Christine Han

Materials + Tools

  • scrap cardboard
  • baking pan
  • roasting rack
  • protective gloves

Learn Four Tie-Dye Pattern Techniques

Four Rolled and Folded Napkins on Table Before Tie-Dye Color Added

Ice Tie-Dye Napkin: Folding Techniques

HGTV Handmade’s A.V. Perkins shares an easy, tie-dye guide to make colorful, tie-dye napkins with four techniques: shibori, triangle, crumple and twist and turn.

From: HGTV Handmade

Photo by: Christine Han

Christine Han

Shibori

Start by folding the top of the napkin over itself in 2-inch folds all the way down, similar to an accordion (Image 1). Next, fold the napkin across in smaller 1-inch square shapes (Image 2). Wrap a rubber band tightly around the folded napkin (Image 3). The Shibori pattern will create a blocked tie-dye look (Image 4).

Triangle

Start by folding the napkin over itself to make a triangle shape (Image 1). Continue to fold the napkin over itself to create smaller and smaller triangle shapes (Image 2). Wrap two rubber bands around the tightly folded triangle napkin (Image 3). The triangle pattern will create an angled tie-dye look (Image 4).

Crumple

Start in the center of the napkin and crumple the fabric together with your hands (Image 1). Crumple the napkin ball tightly and place several rubber bands around it to secure its shape (Image 2). The crumple technique will produce an abstract design (Image 3).

Twist + Turn

Start by twisting one corner of the napkin (Image 1). Keep twisting the napkin into a tight coil (Image 2) while shaping the napkin into a curled, seashell shape (Image 3). Place two rubber bands on the napkin to secure its shape. The twist and turn technique will produce a bold, circular color that becomes lighter across (Image 4).

How to Ice Tie-Dye

When working with dye, always wear protective gloves. Prepare a baking pan by placing a roasting rack inside. Next, put the folded napkins on the rack and place a piece of trimmed cardboard around each napkin (Image 1). Then, add a handful of ice to the top of each rolled napkin container (Image 2). Now sprinkle powder fabric dye onto each ice bundle (Image 3). Cover the ice with lots of dye for a more colorful napkin, or mix-and-match dyes for a multicolor look (Image 4). Let the ice melt completely (Image 5).

Rinse + Dry + Enjoy

Prep these colorful napkins for use by rinsing them thoroughly in the sink with cold water. Once dry, pack them for a sunny, outdoor picnic or make a cheery tablescape for dinner with friends.

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Ice Tie-Dyed Napkins
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