• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Get Our Latest Updates: Download a FREE Set of Coloring Pages! ⇾

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Banners
    • Coloring Pages
    • Sensory Kits
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Friends Art Lab

Friends Art Lab

LOGIN

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Banners
    • Coloring Pages
    • Sensory Kits
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
go to homepage
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Banners
    • Coloring Pages
    • Sensory Kits
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Banners
    • Coloring Pages
    • Sensory Kits
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
Friends Art Lab / Blog / How to Dye Pasta for Sensory and Crafts

How to Dye Pasta for Sensory and Crafts

By Kristian Klebofski  ·  Published: April 21, 2023Updated: May 19, 2023

Once you learn how to dye pasta, the options for sensory and crafts are limitless! Dyeing pasta is probably simpler than you think, AND it lasts for years.

A hand holds alphabet pastas dyed red, yellow, and blue over a larger container filled with the same. A brand-new bag of alphabet pastas sits in the container.
Table of Contents:
  1. I learned how to dye pasta from my mom 30 years ago
  2. I’m thrilled you’re here to learn how to dye pasta!
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. How to store and save dyed pasta
  6. Can you dye pasta without cooking it?
  7. What do you do with dyed pasta?
  8. FAQ
  9. Your kids will love learning and seeing how to dye pasta

I learned how to dye pasta from my mom 30 years ago

That woman was ahead of her time and dyed pasta with me long before Pinterest, Instagram, and the like.

I fondly remember making and playing with the pastas we created together.

From gluing the colorful pastas to photo frames with glittery hot glue to sticking my hands in it and enjoying the texture, it’s been a love affair for nearly my whole life.

Related: Our giant 10-foot coloring page banners are a dreamy activity to do with your family or class, too!

Three stages of macaroni pasta: one fresh out out of the package and uncolored (with a new bag sitting on top), one with teal dye poured onto the pasta, and one with it completely mixed and turned into teal pasta.

I’m thrilled you’re here to learn how to dye pasta!

And guess what?

IT. IS. SO. EASY! AND, you can use any shape you want. Alphabet, macaroni, bowtie, stars, ruote (the wheel kind)…ANY kind.

*the crowd goes wild*

You need simple supplies, very little waiting time for it to dry, and once it’s made, you can use it for many, many years to come.

Looking for more ways to use pasta with kids? I love these:

  • Spaghetti Cutting Bin – Scissor Skills Activity – Busy Toddler
  • Spaghetti Sensory Play – Teach Preschool
  • Straws, Pasta, and Playdough Activity – Raising Dragons
A hand holds three containers of red, yellow, and blue dyes in small glass jars over several bags of new, unopened alphabet pasta bags.
I’m using liquid watercolors here (and in all photos on this post)

Materials

Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

  • Dried pasta – ANY kind, shape, or size (this is the very best part!)
  • Liquid watercolors or food coloring
  • Large zippered plastic bag
  • Shallow tray – ex: baking sheet
A zippered bag is open and the bottom is filled with uncolored alphabet pasta while yellow dye is poured in. In the background are several bags of new, unopened alphabet pasta.

Directions

No matter how often I dye pasta (and it’s a LOT), I never stop loving this process!

  • Add pasta + coloring into a bag, then zip and shake until the pasta is completely colored (takes about 30 seconds). Begin with about (no need to get measuring cups or spoons) two cups of pasta and one tablespoon of coloring. Add more coloring if needed.
  • Once colored, lay it out on a shallow tray and let the pasta dry completely. During the Summer, we lay the trays outside in the sun, and they dry almost instantly. However, if drying inside, it still doesn’t take long until it’s dry enough to play with.
  • Time to play! Once it’s dry, add open-ended toys and props and invite your kids to have the time of their lives.

BONUS: With this method, you can also dye chickpeas and rice!

A hand holds a gallon-sized zippered bag filled with pasta and yellow dye that was just shaken up. Brand new bags of alphabet pasta sit in the background.

How to store and save dyed pasta

You can store your dyed pasta in zippered bags or airtight containers, whichever you have on hand.

BUT, you must ensure the pasta is bone-dry before it’s enclosed. If you zip up or put dyed pasta in a container with a lid before it’s completely dry, you’re in for a stinky, yucky mess.

Here’s what we do: We leave our freshly-dyed pasta in an open, unzipped bag or a container without the lid on for several days before we close it up. Then, after several days, we close it. Allowing it to have a few days to breathe and dry ensures it will last for YEARS to come!

Two hands are fill of dyed orange and black pasta mixed together over a container of the same. The pasta is short and looks like broken up spaghetti noodles.

Can you dye pasta without cooking it?

Yes, that’s this method! 

 This method uses dry, uncooked pasta for sensory play and crafts.

If you want to dye cooked pasta, that’s a different (and equally fun!) technique. I’ll share that soon!

A hand holds red alphabet pasta.

What do you do with dyed pasta?

We use ours primarily for sensory play and art.

SENSORY

We like using it as a sensory bin base with fun, open-ended props thrown in, such as:

  • Bowls
  • Cups
  • Spoons
  • Tongs
  • Ladles
  • Colanders
  • Pom-poms
  • Beads
  • Spatulas
  • Mini figurines
  • Blocks
  • Small toys

ART

Colored pasta makes for a fun addition to collage and art projects! If gluing dyed pasta to something (ex: cardboard, picture frame, etc.), use strong glue.

Do you use dyed pasta another way? I’d love to know how!

A mix of red, yellow, and blue alphabet pastas mixed together.

FAQ

What age is this recommended for?

Any age that won’t try to eat or ingest the materials.

Can I dye pasta with acrylic paint?

Yes you can! Make sure to break up the pasta every few minutes so that it doesn’t dry in a clump (this doesn’t happen with liquid watercolors or food dye).

Do I need to use rubbing alcohol or vinegar?

You sure don’t.

A look into a zippered bag filled with dry, uncolored star shaped pasta. Bags of pasta and small bottles of dye are in the background.

Your kids will love learning and seeing how to dye pasta

And who knows, it might be something your kids make throughout their lives, too!

Dyed pasta is quick, easy, colorful, fun, open-ended, and always such a blast to make and use.

Friends Art Lab Best Resources:

GIANT 10-Foot Coloring Banners 🎨
Directed Draw Sets for Kids ✍🏼
Learn About Virtual Preschool 🖥️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
← Previous Post
How to Dye Chickpeas with Liquid Watercolors or Food Coloring
Next Post →
FUN Insect Art for Kids – 10-Foot Bug Coloring Banner

EXPLORE A CATEGORYSensory

Related Activities

  • Sparkly Sensory Water Play
  • Lemon Oobleck Sensory Play
  • Jellybean Sensory Table for Kids
  • Dyed Chickpeas: Easy to Make for Sensory Play

Let’s Stay Connected!

Get our favorite ideas and news sent directly to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

LEAVE A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I love all things early childhood. Having earned a master's degree in education, I love sharing my passion and knowledge both as a classroom preschool teacher and college professor. Friends Art Lab is my heart and I'm excited to share with you! LEARN MORE

Our Favorite Art Posts

Christmas Bow Painting Process Art Project

Chalk Christmas Light Art for Kids

Marker and Foil Prints – Fall Art Activity

Giant Christmas Coloring Banner

ALL ART POSTS

Our Favorite Sensory Posts

Christmas Frosting Dough Sensory Activity

Candy Cane Fizz Christmas Science Activity

Cranberry Christmas Sensory Bin 

Christmas Bubble Foam Sensory Activity

Christmas Moon Sand Sensory Activity

Dyed Corn Sensory Table

ALL SENSORY POSTS

Footer

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Friends Art Lab Shop

  • Coloring Banners
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Directed Draws
  • Affiliate Shop

Visit the Blog

  • Sensory
  • Art
  • Outdoor
  • Science
  • Draw
  • Math

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Shipping
  • Return Policy
  • Gift Card
  • FAQ
  • About Us

© 2023 Friends Art Lab ·  Privacy Policy ·  Terms & Conditions ·  Disclosure ·  Website by Anchored Design