How to Make Fruity Tie-Dye T-Shirts (Kiwi, Watermelon & Citrus!)

Tie-dye is one of those crafts that never really goes out of style or quits being fun to do. However what if this summer you took it beyond rainbows and went full fruit salad? These fruity tie-dye t-shirts feature kiwi, watermelon, and lemony/orange designs that are as fun to make as they are to wear. The trick is all about strategic tie-dye patterns and some fabric paint accents. Keep reading and grab your plain T-shirts!

Supplies for Fruity Tie-Dye T-Shirts

White 100% cotton t-shirt (pre-washed)
Fabric dye in your fruit colors (I like Tulip brand that comes with powder in the bottle / just add water style)
Rubber bands
Fabric paint
Plastic gloves and protective covering for your work surface

PRO TIP: Always wash your shirts before hand or soak in alum. T-shirts come with something called sizing that can prevent fabric dye from completely absorbing.

Pick Your Fruit

Pick your fruit – get it. OK, seriously you the fruit you opt for will help guide your dye colors. Again, a variety pack of “just add water” dye is the way to go for the entire fruit bowl. Here are the colors I opted for.

Kiwi – Green and blue dye. Brown fabric paint.
Watermelon – Red, green and blue dye. Black fabric paint.
Citrus slices – Pink, yellow and orange dye. Glittery fabric paint.

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Step 1: Fold and Bind Your T-Shirts

Most fruit can be made by using a simple circular binding technique with rubber bands. For example, the watermelon shirt had one rubberband at the neckline. For the kiwi and the citrus I used several rubber band bunches with various placements around the shirt.

Step 2: Apply the Dye

Apply fabric dye in sections. For instance on the watermelon apply red on one side of the rubber band and green on the other. The area under the rubber band stays white and acts as your rind! The blue was just added for an extra pop of color. Same with the kiwis – the rubber banded bits are green and the rest are blue.

Step 3: Wait and Think Deep Fruity Tie-Dye T-Shirt Thoughts

Let the dye sit at least overnight. This is where you can start to think about how you will embellish the tie dye patterns with fabric paint. The next day remove the rubber bands and wash according to the package instructions.

P.S. Need more fruit-spiration? I’ve got oodles of DIY fruit themed projects!

Step 4: Add the Fabric Paint Details

This step is where the magic happens. Use a dimensional fabric paint and add the seeds, citrus segments or in the case of a kiwi furry skin. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Did I mention how great this project is for Girl Scout Troops, birthday parties, summer camp fun and more. Tie-dye is always a crowd pleaser. I’ve even hosted a shibori themed baby shower!

P.S. Looking for even more unique tie-dye ideas and techniques?

How cute are these T-shirts, the kids are ok too 😉 Are you suddenly feeling fruity and can’t wait to get to the tie-dye section of the craft store quick enough? I’m dying to try a dragon fruit version! I don’t blame you! Let me know if you give any of these styles a whirl.

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