DIY Galaxy Tie Dye Shirt
Learn how to tie dye a shirt that's out of this world with this unique technique that uses bleach.
The DIY Galaxy Tie Dye Shirt takes your bleach spills to a whole new intentional level. Let everyone know that you are tout of this world when you learn how to tie dye with bleach to create an ever-popular, always-stunning galaxy pattern. With the unique tie dye pattern below, you can transform an old black (or navy) tee into a brand new beauty. Using bleach and your favorite intergalactic colors, this gorgeous tee will look like it's right off the Target shelf.
One of the best things about being a crafty person is being able to save money by creating trendy pieces instead of paying a pretty penny, and this tie dye idea is just about as trendy as they come. Not to mention it works great with clothing you've accidentally spilled bleach on during wash day– we've all been there...
Budget friendly and unique, you could easily reverse tie dye any of your other favorite items. Carry the world in a galaxy tote, make cosmos-inspired skirt, and more! The possibilities are endless with the galaxy tie dye technique.
Estimated Cost$11-$20
Time to CompleteIn an evening
Project TypeMake a Project
Materials List
- Dark colored shirt (navy or black, preferably)
- Tulip® One-Step Spray Dye Kit™
- Tulip® Fabric Spray Paint
- Tulip® Fabric Spray Paint - White/Snow
- Tulip® Surface Cover™ or other plastic covering
- Bleach
- Spray Bottle
- Washer/Dryer
- Sink (optional)
- Hair Dryer (optional)
Suggested Galaxy Colors: black/dark blue (depending on shirt color), white, silver, bright colours that match (i.e. pink, purple, blue or red, orange, yellow, green)
DIY Galaxy Tie Dye Technique
STOP! Before you begin: Wash and dry shirt to remove fabric sizing.
Note: Washing out the sizing will better allow the bleach to penetrate shirt fabric for a more intense design.
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Cut a piece of surface cover to fit inside T-shirt to keep the bleach from seeping through to the back.
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Cover work surface with remaining portion of surface cover and lay shirt with plastic inside on surface cover.
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Pinch shirt front between thumb and forefinger, and twist until entire shirt is twisted into a spiral.
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Mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water in spray bottle.
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Lightly spray spiraled shirt with bleach solution. Allow bleach to remain on shirt until desired lightness is achieved. Spray again if desired for more effect.
Note: You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Please use on the coolest setting. -
Once shirt achieves desired bleached effect, immediately run shirt through a complete wash cycle. You can also rinse it in the sink– just be sure all bleach is rinsed out. (Use gloves if doing this method!) Leave shirt damp.
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Lay damp shirt out on covered work surface. Mix One-Step Dyes according to package instructions.
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Apply each dye color to a different area of your bleached design. Allow shirt to set for time recommended in package instructions (6-8 hours) or overnight.
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Once the dye is finished setting, wash and dry shirt as recommended on the dye package instructions.
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Lay shirt out flat on covered work surface. Spray lightly with Snow Fabric Spray Paint to create “stars.”
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Let the shirt dry completely before wearing.
Let us know:
Do you prefer unique tie dye patterns like this galaxy one or the old-school look of traditional methods like the swirl tie dye technique?