14 Unique Items You Can Tie-Dye at Home

Few DIY projects are as simple, yet hands-on, as tie-dyeing. The technique of tying off areas of fabric and dipping—or submerging—it into different colored dyes yields a psychedelic effect. And since nearly any white or light-colored item can be tie-dyed, your creative options options are endless. From hair accessories to housewares, we're sharing some of our favorite things to tie-dye to help you get started.

Before you start purchasing items to tie-dye, it's important to note that there are a few different methods you can try at home—you'll want to settle on one (or more!) before you start buying the essentials. First, there's the Japanese method of Shibori, which uses indigo to transform items into rich, deep-hued creations. While this isn't technically tie-dyeing, it's a beautiful art form that will yield gorgeous results every time. In terms of more traditional tie-dyeing, there are a few ways to create your designs. There's the classic you know and love: twisting your items, tying them off with rubber bands, and spraying dye straight onto the material. But if you want to try something new, know that you can use Sharpies—yes, the permanent markers—to tie-dye; you'll just need to pair the markers with rubbing alcohol to get the color to transfer. Another option is ice-dyeing, which is a more refined way of tie-dyeing that uses ice cubes and powdered dye to create a subtle design on your final product.

Now that you've considered the different methods of dyeing, it's time to think of the mediums to color. While so many items can be tie-dyed—even Easter eggs!—finding the right canvas is important. You'll want to choose natural fabrics—like cotton and linen—and stay away from synthetic blends. Also steer clear of texturized fabrics with patterns or designs to ensure the best final result. Small things are better left to the pro-dyers, while larger items, like a plain white T-shirt, are ideal for beginners. No matter your level of expertise, you'll find perfect things to tie-dye from these inspirational selects.