Over or Under - Ice Dyeing

If you're ready to try ice dyeing, but aren't sure how to get started, here are two popular layering methods to consider. See what happens when powdered dye is sprinkled on top of ice and allowed to melt overnight. Compare that to when the dye is placed directly on the fabric instead. Which effect do you prefer?
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Theme song written by Karl Halvorson and performed by Nancy Gamon.
linktr.ee/NancyGamon
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NOTE: Any equipment used in the dyeing process is no longer suitable for food use
To make this project, you’ll need:
- Fabric (100% natural plant fibers, such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, flax, linen, rayon) “Prepared For Dyeing” (PFD) or “Ready To Dye” or prepared for dyeing by you (by washing in Textile Detergent and no fabric softener used in washer or dryer)
- Professional Textile Detergent / Synthrapol®
- Retayne® dye fixative
- Soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) (this is not baking soda)
- Fiber reactive powdered dye (such as Procion® designed for 100% natural plant fibers) (The colors I used were Aquamarine, Dragon Fruit and Deep Purple from Dharma Trading Company)
- large (at least 2 gallon) plastic tub with lid (to store soda ash solution, which will stay effective for about 6 months)
- 1-cup measure (for measuring powdered soda ash)
- Long handled plastic stirring spoon (for mixing soda ash solution)
- Plastic spoons (for sprinkling dye)
- Dust mask (for preparing soda ash solution, and sprinkling powdered dye)
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic (to protect work surface)
- Ice (cubes or crushed, or unpacked snow)
- Rags (to clean work surface afterwards)
- Small containers with holes in the bottom (to hold project)
- metal rack
- plastic tub (to collect melted ice/dye)
If you need help sourcing items on the supply list, feel free to leave a comment.
If you like tie dye, you'll love ice dye! Using melting ice and powdered dye, create colorful one-of-a-kind fabric, clothing or scarves. Perfect for beginners.
#stayhome and dye #withme

[@PapaBear27]

Nancy seems like the kind of woman to fill the bong with a thick cloud and clear it without coughing once and going about her business. Thank you for the informative videos, rookie tie dye artists like myself appreciate you🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@NancyGamon]

I'm sure I have no idea what this means, but I'm glad you are enjoying the videos! :) Nancy

[@jrmac92]

@@NancyGamon weed nancy.. weed lol

[@michellecarneyfraley1891]

🤣😂🤣😂 Im dead!

[@talanmoult1873]

Lol

[@sierrarosie]

LMAO WHAT

[@TheWeaversTheWovenOnes]

I’d love to watch a video of how you tied the fabrics!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! Beautiful ❤

[@Spooder_lady_n_minis]

I really liked the dye over ice. Very pretty!

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks, Jewell. I like that one, too!

[@tuchaosborne]

Nancy I love the way that you experiment and show the subtle yet amazing differences. Love your dye

[@NancyGamon]

Thank you so much, Tucha! I'm glad you found the video helpful. :) Nancy

[@stephanieross5183]

I prefer the dye over ice. Thank you for doing this side by side comparison.

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks for watching, Stephanie! :)

[@pamipami4711]

Love the dye over ice...very cool!

[@NancyGamon]

Awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@lindavanschyndel8790]

I’m so glad that you did this. I’ve seen all of your ice dying videos and tried some already, so thank you for that. I have seen others produce videos where they use dye first, then ice, but had never seen a side by side comparison. It definitely will help me decide which technique to use for a desired effect. Great job. Keep ‘m coming.

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks so much for your nice message, Linda. I'm glad to know that these videos are proving useful. Have fun experimenting! Nancy

[@Bonbon54220]

I love both. Thanks for sharing!

[@NancyGamon]

Awesome. Thanks for watching! :)

[@doulaolgamke]

I love that you did your own tune at the end. Unexpected 💜

[@NancyGamon]

Haha - I keep myself entertained! :)

[@natalieharrison4318]

Love them both 💕

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks, Natalie! :)

[@ruthwagner2348]

You are so enjoyable to watch. Thanks so much!

[@NancyGamon]

Aww... thanks for your kind words, Ruth!

[@ruthwagner2348]

I am planning to do a king size sheet and make a comforter top from it so these videos are so incredibly helpful. Thanks!

[@NancyGamon]

That sounds fabulous!

[@cosmicsea7]

They both look pretty!

[@NancyGamon]

Yay! Thanks for watching. :)

[@shawnahinson8602]

This was a great video, thanks for sharing 🙂

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks for watching, Shawna!

[@BLKMGK4]

Nicely done, thanks!

[@NancyGamon]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@kolitiokada9825]

Hey Nancy! Thanks for showing the results side-by-side! I really like the dye over the ice! Love all the nuances of the colors merging & mingling! I heard/read somewhere that traditional tie-dye is like coloring with markers and ice-dying is like using water colors.

[@NancyGamon]

That's an interesting way of thinking about comparing the two techniques. Thanks for watching!

[@ryanhubbard7582]

Great, and informative video!

[@NancyGamon]

Oh, good. Thanks for your message! :)

[@majorphoto]

dye over ice - thumbs up!

[@NancyGamon]

Nice!

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Thanks for the comparison I do both Styles depending on whether or not I need specific colors to be in specific areas. Dye under ice for that.

[@NancyGamon]

That sounds like an excellent strategy to me! Thanks for watching. :) Nancy

[@lindavanschyndel8790]

You’re such a hoot!!

[@NancyGamon]

Maybe I was feeling a little owl-y...

[@lunasoffio]

You silly gal! Lovely demo!! dooododeedoodillydooo!

[@NancyGamon]

Haha! Thanks for watching, Luna. :) Nancy

[@kristins6671]

I’d like to see a combination of both!

[@NancyGamon]

Cool idea!

[@tressavalanteena5381]

Dye on ice

[@NancyGamon]

Cool

[@mikat8062]

The “do do doddle-oot doo” intro made my day 😂

[@NancyGamon]

haha - awesome!

[@SpiritualStuntman]

Nancy, you are a ray of sunshine :) thank you so much for this video. You changed one of my techniques just with this never thought to do it side-by-side, much love sister

[@NancyGamon]

You made my day! Thanks so much for your kind note. Take care and keep experimenting! Nancy

[@mikat8062]

4:17 I’m just now realizing how we are looking from the bottom of the shirt under the ice 😮 the path the ice took down the fabric paints a picture of the process! (I’m not sure how to describe what I mean 😅)

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

Thank you very muchXXX

[@NancyGamon]

Take care! Nancy

[@paulhaynie4132]

Why does it have to be one or the other? What if you put lines of dye on the fabric. Just a few streaks, just places where you want it dark. Then put on the ice. Then add dye on top of the ice to add all the swirly tendrelly stuff. Just a thought as I've never dyed anything in my life.

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Paul, You're absolutely right. You don't have to choose one or the other. Both techniques can be combined on a single project to achieve a combination of effects. Sounds like you're a natural! Nancy

[@ximenachavez-dq8gj]

Are all the kaleidoscope prints you do on Square fabric?

[@NancyGamon]

This design can be created on fabric of any shape. You can use a square, rectangle, circle, triangle, or irregular shape such as a t-shirt or leggings.

[@Engelhafen]

How bout dye in the MIDDLE? 😁. You have such a pleasant presence

[@NancyGamon]

haha! I can't believe I neglected a variable!

[@mollyspencer5570]

Nancy. Would you do a small virtual class on tie dyeing? I’ve invested lots of money in this craft and just can’t dial it in how I’d like.

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Molly! I'm afraid I have zero experience with tie dyeing, but I do have a virtual ice dyeing workshop (just folds, no tying) coming up in mid-February 2021. Details are here: www.eventbrite.com/e/135561358673 Also - I have found the Facebook Group "The Process of Ice Dyeing" to be a wonderful resource. People are very welcoming and helpful to each other. Many of them do tie dyeing with ice and may be able to answer your questions. facebook.com/groups/822773287815267 I hope this helps! Nancy

[@mollyspencer5570]

@@NancyGamon I’m literally doing two sweatshirts with ice dyeing from your video I watched yesterday. I’ve never done it before. I want to do well at both. I’ll post pictures of I can here of them. I’m going to sign up for your virtual class in February. Thank you so much 😊

[@NancyGamon]

Wonderful! It will be lovely to meet you. :) Have fun! Nancy

[@krystahnash6803]

In your opinion, does the powder dye waste more product than using liquid & bottles

[@NancyGamon]

Ooooh... this is an interesting question! And one I'm afraid I'm unable to answer at this time, since I have no experience with liquid dye. Someone else in the community may have insight. In the meantime, I'll add your question to the experiment list and see if I can figure out the answer! Nancy

[@bestever3782]

What type of folding was done for this dye?

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Best Ever, it's a very simple triangle fold. There are more details about creating a kaleidoscope pattern in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoebaGmqnpd5rZY have fun! Nancy

[@getcreateit]

why do you soak it in soda ash? Is this a necessary step?

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Jennifer, Soda ash acts as a mordant, helping the dye bond permanently with the fibers. The soda ash soak is an essential step. Nancy

[@transcendentcocreation]

Hi Do you show how you folded the fabric 😉

[@NancyGamon]

Hi there! You can find a discussion of the kaleidoscope folded dyes in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoebaGmqnpd5rZY Thanks for watching!

[@kelsieteal1223]

What if u did a combo of under the ice and ontop

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Kelsie, That's an interesting question! It's totally possible to use more than one technique on a single piece, putting the dye over the ice in one area, and under the ice in another. I haven't tried putting the dye both under and over the ice in the exact same spot, though. Intriguing idea! I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what happens. :) Nancy

[@mollyspencer5570]

Nancy. Are you still doing your virtual class today?? I can’t find it to see if you’re still doing it.

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Molly, Thanks for asking! My next Virtual Dye Studio is February 17 & 18, 2021. Here's the registration link for more information: www.eventbrite.com/e/135561358673 Hope to see you then! Nancy

[@mollyspencer5570]

I will be! Thank you.

[@KendellConiff]

How about making ice cubes out of liquid dye, then placing different colored cubes on top and letting them melt?

[@NancyGamon]

Oooohhh.. you know, someone told me once that frozen liquid dye used to be a fun thing in the 70s. I would expect the results to be a bit different, since the dye is mixed up into a solid color first, but definitely worth some experimenting! :) Nancy

[@KendellConiff]

@@NancyGamon Or make colored cubes, make crushed ice out of them, then pour over the top? The crushed dyed ice could be blended just like you were sprinkling on dry dye. I imagine the results would be similar to using snow? I used to be a potter and experimenting with glazes and firing techniques was a lot of fun. Tie dying seems similar with all the variations in technique and dying. It's a lot like glazing and firing pots! Someday I'll get the materials and dye some shirts but in the meantime I'll keep enjoying watching your videos! And feel free to try my idea and make a video. Hint hint lol

[@NancyGamon]

Okay, now that's a new variation I haven't heard before! There you go, tickling the ideas again. What fun! I picked up on your subtle hint :) and added your suggestions to my list of possible video topics. We'll see what unfolds! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This is why artistic cross training is so wonderful! Nancy

[@flashbackactivator6565]

Hiya, how about different colors over AND under the ice... hmmn.... I wonder...

[@NancyGamon]

Oooohh...! Look at you go! This is an awesome idea. I'm adding this to the experiment list! Nancy

[@flashbackactivator6565]

I suppose you could even compare putting complimentary vs analogous colors over and under. Anyway, thanks a bunch for documenting the various iterations. It is helpful.

[@gabrielareyna8187]

What is soda ash?

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Gabriela, That's a great question! Soda ash = 100% sodium carbonate, a white powder. Look for it at swimming pool chemical supply stores, in the laundry aisle (as "washing soda"), or where fabric dye supplies are sold. To prepare fabric for dyeing, put your rubber gloves and dust mask on (you do not want to be breathing in soda ash) and in a large container, mix 1-2 cups soda ash per 1 gallon of water. Let fabric soak (loosely) for at least 10 minutes, then wring out before proceeding with your project. Does that answer your question? Nancy

[@jasararose1854]

Why is ice used? Newbie Doobie here. Thanks!

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Jasara, welcome to the wonderful world of ice dyeing! "Why ice?" is totally a valid question. When the powdered Procion dye is mixed with water (like for use in traditional tie dyeing or immersion dyeing), it creates a solid color. When the powdered dye is sprinkled on dry, all of the little individual colors that go into making up the powder are allowed to be their own sweet selves. Dyeing with ice instead of water allows for more richness and variety, and gorgeous little tendrils of color. (I may be slightly biased!) If I may point you to another video as a way of demonstrating what I'm talking about - take a look at the fabric dyed with a single color (Moss) in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eorIhXWeqtdoes0 Even though just one single dye color was sprinkled on the fabric, there are a whole variety of colors and nuances in that finished piece. Have fun! Nancy

[@klxzz]

*stresses in Libra*

[@NancyGamon]

hmmm...

[@mandrakethecat]

My question now is cause you put some dye under and some dye over the ice

[@NancyGamon]

That's a great question! Yes - you can mix the two techniques on the same project, putting the dye down first in some areas, and the ice down first in others, to create a combination of effects. Have fun experimenting! Nancy

[@mandrakethecat]

@@NancyGamon awesome. I have to try it. Now to figure out muck and rank dye. Loved that video as well. Thank you

[@chumtakithan5981]

On tee shirt Available? 😊

[@NancyGamon]

Hi Chumta, Here's a video about how to dye a kaleidoscope Tshirt that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ66eKCqoNJro6s Thanks for watching! Nancy

[@chumtakithan5981]

@@NancyGamon Dear, thank you so very much