DIY Dye: How to Color Your Canvas Kicks with Natural or Fabric Dyes

Canvas shoes are a blank slate. But if pure white isn’t your vibe, dyeing them is one of the most satisfying ways to shift their entire look. Whether you want soft pastels, moody tones, or something bold and saturated, you don’t need a factory to get it done. You just need a plan, a little patience, and the right kind of mess.

This guide walks you through everything from choosing your dye to pulling off a wearable finish.

Step 1: Choose the Right Shoes

Start with light-colored canvas. Natural cotton blends absorb color best. White works best, but beige or very pale grey can also give cool results. Avoid anything synthetic or coated, the dye won’t hold and will look uneven.

Step 2: Pick a Dye Method

There are two main routes: fabric dye and natural dye.

Fabric dye (like Rit or Dylon) is fast, reliable, and comes in bold shades. You can mix your own colors or follow formulas.

Natural dye is more unpredictable, but more personal. You can use:

• Black tea or coffee for warm browns

• Red cabbage for purple-blue

• Turmeric for gold

• Avocado skins for pink tones

• Onion skins for rust or amber

The color results vary depending on concentration, time, and fabric, but that’s part of the charm.

Step 3: Prep Before You Dye

Remove the laces and stuff your shoes with crumpled paper or old socks so they hold their shape.
If you want patterns (like a dipped toe or layered color), tape off sections with painter’s tape or rubber bands.
Soak the shoes in warm water before dyeing, this helps the color absorb evenly.

Step 4: Dye and Dry

Mix your dye in a basin, bucket, or bowl deep enough to fully submerge the shoes. Let them soak until you reach your desired shade. For soft pastels, that might be 10 minutes. For rich color, try 30 or more.

Pull them out with gloves, rinse with cool water, and let them dry in the shade for at least 24 hours. Direct sun can fade the color while it’s still setting.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once they’re dry, re-lace them with something fun, or leave them laceless if you like a more relaxed look. You can also paint or draw on top of the dye for layered effects.

Try adding charms, studs, or embroidery. The dye just sets the tone.

Tips for Long-Lasting Color

• Seal with a fabric protector spray

• Hand wash only, no machine washing

• Expect some fading over time. That’s part of the beauty

Own the Imperfections

Dye jobs don’t always come out perfectly. But that’s what makes them interesting. No two pairs are the same. The more handmade it looks, the more human it feels. And that’s exactly the point.