Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cricut. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting the content that keeps Jojotastic going.
If there are two things I love in life it would be making personalized Christmas gifts and ice dyeing fabric. I’m always on the lookout for ways to DIY presents for my friends and family. So today, I am stoked to team up with Cricut to share a quick and easy tutorial and teach you how to ice dye socks. Yup, SOCKS, the quintessential holiday gift and stocking stuffer. Here is my step by step tutorial on how to ice dye socks, plus how to use Cricut’s iron on metallic foil for a personalized touch. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Ice Dye Socks and Add Personalized Iron-On Foil from Cricut
Materials & Tools
For ice dye:
- soda ash
- procion dye — I used turquoise, fuchsia, and rust, but you can experiment with any shade or combination of colors!
- bag(s) of ice
- white cotton socks
- Metal cooling rack
- 2 plastic storage totes
- glass measuring cup
- plastic gloves
- metal spoon (I suggest using metal to avoid the spoon absorbing dye)
For monogramming:
- Cricut Explore Air 2
- StandardGrip Machine Mat, 12″ x 12″
- Portable trimmer
- Weeder
- Scraper and Spatula Set
- Foil Iron-On: I used rose gold
- Iron
Directions
Add 1 cup of soda ash to 1 gallon of water in the plastic tub and mix until completely dissolved. Adjust the amount needed based on the size of your tub and how many items you’re planning to dye.
Now is a great time to assess if you’d like to ice dye other items by the way! For example, while dyeing these socks I also dyed 3 plain white cotton t-shirts for fun.
Next, submerge your socks in the tub and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes. Don’t skip this step because soda ash helps to fix the dye and activates the color with the natural fibers of your socks.
Once the socks have soaked for the allotted time, rinse under clean water and wring out any excess water. Then, place the rack in a second plastic tub and arrange the socks on the rack. Twist, wrap, and arrange the socks to create more visual interest once the dye sinks in.
By the way, you can save the soda ash mixture in a sealed container for additional dyeing projects, so don’t dump it! I have two plastic tubs that I use for this project so that I can keep my soda ash mixture on hand.
Cover with ice (I used 1.5 bags of ice from our local gas station).
Using a metal spoon and while wearing gloves, sprinkle on dye powder over the ice. Less is more and the water from the melting ice will help spread the color throughout the fabric.
Here’s a close up of the ice dye in progress! As you can see, the melting ice draws the colorful dye into the fabric, creating a totally one-of-a-kind look that is similar to tie dye but more organic. Also, the procion dyes make totally new, unexpected colors which you can see toward the bottom of the image above. So cool, huh?
Let the ice melt for 24 hours and then rinse. If you want to achieve a more pastel look, decrease the time. Isn’t it amazing how different the ice dye results look after the procion dye has absorbed??
Next, rinse each sock under clean, cold water until the water runs clear. After that, wash the socks just like normal laundry.
Now it’s time to monogram with the Cricut Explore Air 2! Design the monogram in the Cricut Design Space — I used an exclusive font from Cricut called Tango Regular. I love the vintage vibe!
Once you’re happy with the design, click Make It. Be sure to mirror your artwork so that the iron-on is oriented correctly.
Then, trim your foil according to the size needed, carefully press it onto the machine mat, load into the machine, and cut! Trim the finished piece so that each letter is separate, then using the weeding tool to remove excess.
Carefully place the monogram on your sock, then use an iron to adhere it. Iron on both sides of the sock. Allow to cool and then carefully peel away the clear cover of the foil.
I also used this technique to make customized ribbons that read ‘with love, Joanna’ for each pair of ice dyed socks. I love how easy Cricut makes it to add personalized touches to my Christmas gifts!
What do you think of how my monogrammed ice dye socks turned out?? I’m totally going to make a batch for myself next.
Don’t forget: if you make personalized ice dye socks using this tutorial, be sure to post a photo and tag me on Instagram! I always love seeing how these DIYs turn out for you.
Awesome! This might just be what I make and take home for Xmas for everyone (fam SO big!).
One Q: your instructions said “cotton socks” but the link goes to a pack that is 73% Cotton (+other materials). Are these the socks you used?
They look so soft and comfy! Thanks for the tutorial!
I am so glad you love this DIY! And great question: that link is to the exact socks I used, so you’re all good there. Make sure that cotton/natural fiber is the highest percentage of the fabric so that the dye works. Basically, synthetics don’t take dye the same way, but it’s ok to have some in the fabric. Hope that helps!