Spiral

A common fold where fabric is twisted into a circular shape to create radiating lines.

Colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Usually blend well together.

Water with urea (and sometimes other additives) dissolved in it. Used to keep dye wet longer or prepare for certain applications.

This word is used in two ways. Refers to how deep the dye penetrates into the fabric. Or how bright the color sets.

A type of dye that doesn’t require a chemical reaction to bond. Often less permanent.

Grams per square meter. Describes how thick or heavy a fabric is.

A natural fiber made from flax. It absorbs dye differently than cotton and can wrinkle easily.

A small metal tipped squirt bottle used for intricate liquid dye application. These bottles allow for really precise color placement, but usually require a lot of time spent finishing the design.

A cone-shaped tool used to pour dye or chemicals into narrow containers without spilling.

A digital or analog tool used to measure dye powders or chemicals by weight.

When color is removed from parts of the fabric, usually with bleach or discharge chemicals.

A dyeing method where fabric is lowered into liquid dye, usually to control placement and intensity.

The level of visual difference between areas of a design, usually through color or saturation.

Fabric is soaked in soda ash solution before applying dye. Activates permanent bonding and color vibrancy.

A dye technique where fabric is soaked in just enough liquid to create mottled, textured color effects.

When someone sprinkles powdered dye directly on the shirt, under the ice, when ice dyeing.

A permanent, wash-fast dye that chemically bonds to natural fibers like cotton when used with soda ash. Common brands include Procion MX, Dharma, and ProChem.

A general term often used to refer to soda ash or other chemicals that help dye adhere to fabric during the batching process.

Optional chemical that helps dyes stay wet longer and penetrate fabric.

A dye application method where powdered dye is applied to dry fabric, then misted with water to activate the dye slowly. This technique produces ringed or halo-like effects and allows for more color control.

A casual tie-dye folding technique where the fabric is crumpled randomly to produce a marbled, organic pattern. Often used with ice or liquid dye for texture.

The leftover, muddy colored dye water that collects as ice melts during ice dyeing. Some artists have the shirt sit in the muck.

A semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, known for its silky drape and intense color payoff when dyed, though it can be fragile when wet.

Protective mask worn while handling powdered dye to prevent inhalation. Especially important when working with multiple colors.

Refers to the need to wait 24+ hours while batching for maximum color payoff. Especially with cold temps or deep colors.

A tool used to grip and pull sinew tightly after it's wrapped around fabric. Can be made from 3D printed material, PVC, or other repurposed objects.

Colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, like purple and yellow.

This is a powder meant to be mixed with water and dye, to thicken the dye. Some people like to use this with black so they can add some contrast without the color bleeding too far into the shirt.

Refers to how much dye is absorbed by fabric versus left in the water.

Dye that works without heat. Most fiber reactive dyes fall into this category.

A synthetic fabric that doesn’t bond with fiber reactive dye unless treated or coated.

A natural fiber made from the hemp plant. Strong and absorbent, but can be rougher than cotton.

Protective hand coverings used to avoid contact with dye powders or chemicals.

A stretchy band used to bind fabric tightly. Creates strong resist lines.

A container used to hold fabric during dyeing or draining. Often used with racks or bins.

Adding a second layer of dye on top of an existing one to shift or deepen the color.

A symmetrical fold where one half of the fabric is folded over the other like a book.

A thick, waxy thread used to tightly bind fabric when creating resist patterns like geodes.

Washing fabric before dyeing to remove finishes or residues that might block dye absorption.

Refers to the use of sprayers with hot water, to wet and set powdered dye. The dye is sprinkled directly onto the shirt.

When someone sprinkles powdered dye over the ice, when ice dyeing.

The process of letting a dyed item sit undisturbed, often in a warm environment, so the dye reacts with the fabric and becomes permanent.

How long the dye color takes to fully set in the fiber and be full vibrancy. Blue takes longer.

Dye powder is applied over ice placed on fabric. As ice melts, dye seeps in.

A tie-dye technique that creates layered, ringed patterns resembling the interior of geode crystals. Typically involves tight circular folds and multiple color applications.

A structured folding method where fabric is folded back and forth in straight, even lines, like a paper fan, often used for symmetry or stripes.

Colors (often reds or blacks) that migrate aggressively during batching or rinsing, staining nearby areas or changing the design unintentionally.

A thick, synthetic fabric made from polyester. Used behind fabric in the flowy ice dye method to mimic the structure of thicker folds.

A photo or video of a freshly rinsed tie-dye piece, often posted online to show off the final design. A key moment in the process.

Refers to the colors red, yellow, and blue. These can be mixed to make all other colors.

A chemical additive that slows how fast dye strikes, allowing for smoother blends.

How fast dye begins to bond with fabric once it gets wet. Faster strike = less blending.

A scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a liquid is. Affects how dye bonds to fabric.

A dye type used on animal fibers like wool or silk. Requires heat and acid to set.

Any fabric made from plant-based sources. Includes cotton, hemp, and linen. Used with fiber reactive dyes.

A plant-based fiber that bonds well with fiber reactive dye. Common in shirts and towels.

Thin cotton string often used for binding fabric. Doesn’t stretch.

Small clamps used to hold folds in place during dyeing or drying.

A container used for holding fabric, ice, or dye runoff. Usually plastic and shallow.

A setup where fabric is positioned at a slope to control how dye and ice melt travel.

A traditional Japanese folding and binding method used to create repeating patterns in fabric.

Fabric is elevated using a rack to allow ice to melt through the shirt instead of pooling underneath.

A process of soaking fabric in a soda ash solution before dyeing to help dye adhere better.

Creating tall peaks in the fabric in order to have long flowing lines when ice dyeing.

A powdered form of sodium carbonate that raises the pH level of fabric, allowing fiber reactive dyes to chemically bond with cotton and other cellulose fibers.

A specialized detergent used in pre- and post-wash steps to remove oils, loose dye, and prevent backstaining on dyed items.

Short for fiber reactive dyes, often seen in Dharma/ProChem brands.

Uses poly fleece to create smoother lines and folds during ice dyeing.

An approach where dry dye powder or soda ash is sprinkled directly onto fabric without using liquid dye bottles. Often used in ice dyeing for spontaneous color placement.

A process where color is removed from dark garments using bleach or discharge agents, then re-dyed with brighter colors for contrast.

A soft, stretchy knit fabric made from cotton. Common for T-shirts and ideal for tie-dye due to its absorbency and drape.

A squeeze bottle with a narrow tip used to apply liquid dye with precision. Common in traditional tie-dye kits.

A tall pile of ice built over the fabric to slow melting and create complex, layered color effects as dye travels through the melt.