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Jan 31, 20223 min read

How To Tie-Dye Fabric with Chalk Based Paint – Easy Project Ideas

Updated: Jul 21, 2023

      Get a Tie-Dye Watercolor Look on Fabric using Chalk Based Paint & Water


Did you know you can dye fabric with chalk-based paint? The trick is to use lots of water & very little paint.  I made a quick tutorial & PLUS a full video with 2 fun project ideas to get a faux Tie-Dye look using water & Dixie Belle Paint. These non-toxic paints are perfect for dying fabric & I can show you how easy it is!





You will see bold colored text in the product list, those are links to each product so that you can locate the products easily if you are wanting to purchase them.


Supplies for this project:



Project #1: Ombre Tie Dye Beanie



The first hat I’m painting is a loose knit beanie. I stuffed plastic bags inside to make it easier to work with.


Spray the whole piece of fabric down with water. This will open up the fibers and allow the paint to act like a dye.


My first color is Dixie Belle’s “Plum Crazy” which is a bright pink.


For a drippy ombre effect, I start with the darker color on bottom, then add lighter colors as I go up.


While brushing on the paint, you don’t need to go for solid paint coverage. The trick is to use water and very little paint to create a dye.



A little paint & lots of water will keep the fabric soft, and not crunchy.


Misting it with water is key when doing this process. It helps the paint thin out & really get down into the fibers.



The second color is Dixie Belle’s “Flamingo”. 


I start painting just above the Plum Crazy. While you’re painting, keep misting it with water help it soak in.



The last color is Dixie Belle’s “Apricot”, the lightest color of all three.


Keep misting & painting until you’ve got it all covered with paint.


Soak it down really well one more time to get the colors to run together. Let it dry for a day or two.


No washing is necessary. If you do want to wash it, first throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes to heat-set the colors then if you need to wash it, make sure to wash separately from clothing for the first couple of washes.




Project #2: Pastel Watercolor Tie Dye Visor


  For the visor, I want to keep it simple with splashes of pastels for the summer.


Spray the whole hat with water to open up the fibers and allow the paint to soak in.


I’m using a thick fluffy craft brush, a small bowl of water to dip my brush in & Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint.


To get a drippy effect, using lots of water is key. To get lighter hues of blue, I dip my brush in water & use the residual paint that’s left on my brush.



I dip my brush in “Apricot” and overlap the blue.


I keep dipping my brush in straight water to thin it out for a runny effect. You can also mist it with water to really thin it out and help the paint move.


Now this is where your creative spirit comes in!


Use your imagination & have fun with the colors. Keep misting your paint with water to get the colors soaking into the fabric.



Once you’re done with your masterpiece, let it dry. Washing isn’t necessary.


If you do want to wash it, first throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes to set the colors in with heat.


Then you can wash with cold water separately from other clothing for the first few washing.


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and you’re inspired to try something new I’d love to see your projects if you do!


You can click on the links to see all the products I used for this project below.


Make sure to follow me on all my social media platforms. I’m always sharing Free Painting Tutorials and Videos, plus easy tips and tricks for painting furniture!



Supplies for this project:

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