I recently completed a small project for Mollie Makes magazine’s latest issue: a set of faux dip-dyed pillows inspired by Pantone’s Colors of the Year, Serenity and Rose Quartz. The feature appears in issue 64 (see page 16), so I wanted to share the project here as well, including a couple of outtakes that didn’t make it into the magazine.
This tutorial is a little different from my usual dyeing posts. Unlike my traditional dye projects, this one is faux — there’s no dye bath, no gloves, and no bucket. Instead, the technique uses paint to mimic the soft, graduated look of dip dye without the mess or special equipment.
For full step-by-step instructions and a precise materials list, check out issue 64 of Mollie Makes, where I include the exact paint combinations I used to recreate Pantone’s hues. The magazine provides detailed guidance so you can reproduce the same soft color transitions and achieve a professional-looking finish on fabric.
The faux dip-dye approach is ideal if you want the dip-dyed aesthetic but prefer working with acrylic or fabric paints. It’s accessible for beginners and flexible enough to adapt to different pillow sizes, pillow covers, or other home textiles. You can experiment with color intensity, layering, and blending to create a subtle ombré effect or a stronger contrast depending on your taste.
Here are a few practical tips that helped during the process:
– Use a soft brush or sponge to blend paint smoothly for a natural gradient.
– Test paint mixes on a fabric scrap to dial in color and opacity before working on the pillow.
– Work in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry, so you can gradually build up color without streaks.
– If you want a faded edge, dilute the paint slightly with textile medium or water and feather it outward.
Because this is a painted technique rather than a traditional dye, it’s also easy to combine with other design details. Try adding subtle paint splatters, metallic accents, or stitched lines for extra texture. Painted pillows are great for seasonal updates or giving a room a quick refresh while staying on trend with Pantone’s palette.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall (except for my phone photo of Amelia on the ladder).
DIY and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff.
Will you try this faux dip-dye DIY? I’d love to hear what other home projects you’d like to see. Share your ideas and suggestions — I’m always looking for new inspiration and projects to test and feature.