This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience and to help maintain this site.
I wrote a post about Kool-Aid Dyed Playsilks three years ago and it’s still one of my most popular tutorials. The only problem is that it’s not technically a tutorial! There’s only one picture and no actual instructions on how to make them (I obviously was still getting the hang of a craft blog!) Since I had to make a new set of playsilks for nephew, I figured I’d revisit the Kool-Aid Dyed Playsilk tutorial and add some actual instructions for you all!
Kool-Aid Dyed Playsilks
Materials:
- Kool-Aid
- Silk Scarves (I purchased 6 30″ square scarves from Darma Trading Co.)
- Vinegar
Instructions:
1. Based on the colors you want, assemble your Kool-Aid packs. You can reference the handy chart at the bottom of this post to determine which color combinations you want.
2. Place silk scarves in a pot of hot water with 2 tablespoons vinegar for 30 minutes to help the fibers absorb the colors. Remove one scarf at a time to dye.
3a. Stove Method: In a separate pot, pour 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and Kool-Aid packs. Dissolve thoroughly over low heat.
3b. Microwave Method: In a glass bowl, pour 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and Kool-Aid packs. Dissolve thoroughly.
4a. Stove Method: Place silk scarf into pot and stir to disperse dye. Continue stirring occasionally for 10 minutes, making sure the scarf is absorbing the color evenly.
4b. Microwave Method: Place the scarf in the glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for three minutes and allow to sit for three more.
5. Allow scarf to cool. Over a colander, begin to rinse/wring your scarf until water runs clear.
6. Set your scarves to dry in the sun while you endlessly try to keep your kids away from them! 😀
Notice how the scarf on the right in the picture above has more of a tie dye effect to it? That one was done in the microwave and the one on the left was on the stove. It seems that the scarves I did on the stove top had more uniform coverage than the ones done in the microwave. I like the way both of them look but you can decide which method you prefer!
Assembled in a box with a pretty little card, Kool-Aid Dyed Playsilks make wonderful gifts! And in case you’re wondering what kids do with playsilks…
And here’s that handy little chart of Kool-Aid Dyed Playsilk colors:
Leigh says
When I do this on the stove top, I leave the scarves in until they absorb all the colour from the water. I also usually make a few sets at one time.
Two years later, these are among our most played with toys. I am making bigger ones for Christmas.
Vanessa Brady says
Making a few sets at a time is a great idea!
Polly says
I absolutely love!!!toys kids can use with their imaginations!!!- where everything isn’t proscribed for them!:) I think its great training for life later!I’m an elem. school teacher, and a mom of 5. I’ve seen that its a great asset when kids/teens can amuse/entertain themselves Hopefully, kids who have time/supplies/practice for a lot of creative play won’t be saying ‘I’m bored/, there’s nothing to do’ 10 yrs from now when the batteries run out in their Gameboy, but I hear that from my kids, too:(
Julia says
Can you wash the scarves (in the washing machine) after they’ve been played with?
Vanessa Brady says
I would wash them separately a few times before throwing it in the wash with other colors.
Leigh says
Mine machine wash just fine. I make the smaller 22″ squares in a rainbow as my standard baby or first birthday gift.
Megan says
Would cotton flats work as well?
millie says
No, Kool Aid dyes protein fibres: wool, silk, hair, fur.
Jen says
And fingernails… as I type with green nails.
Miriam says
If you dye multiple scarves at one time, is there enough Kool-Aid (dye) in this mix to dye several or would you need to increase the amount of Kool-Aid?
Vanessa Brady says
I would increase the Kool-Aid packages. The scarves soak up most of the dye the first time around!
Miriam says
Thanks Vanessa! I’m hoping for rich, vibrant scarves so I was guessing that I might need to head back to the grocery store for more Kool-Aid packets. Thanks for your advice.
Heather says
Great tutorial! On the color chart: for red, I see two cherry packets and two ??? Thanks!
Laura Pankey says
It looks like Lemon-lime mixed with something else. The writing on the packet is blurry, and googling the flavors didn’t get me anywhere!! I didn’t see a packet out there that looked just like the one pictured. Wish I could help!
Laura Pankey says
Just found it! It’s called Jamaica.
Polly says
Dear Tried & True-Did you always start with white scarves?And did you tie or knt any of the fabric in elastic bands, like you would with traditional tie-dye?
Vanessa Brady says
I’ve always used blank white scarves and wanted them to be solid so didn’t use any tie dye techniques. Hope that helps!
Polly says
u uDse white vinegar, or does it not matter?
Polly says
Is there a difference between method 3a and 4a? thjey’re both dtove top and I don’t see a difference.
Mrs V says
Hi- How do you use the koolaid as a hair dye? I’d love to know 🙂
Lily says
Thank you for showing pics of boys playing with play silks! Seems most pics of kids playing with play silks are of girls. And of course, the tutorial!
Robin says
Yes Kool Aid is a wonderful way to Dye Clothes and Such.
I myself have a Great Idea? I’ve got to try this in my Hair? . I did it in March only did longer part . It’s October and a Pretty Pink! It stays for A LONG TIME!