How to Dye Slip Dresses

Dyeing a slip dress is a simple, inexpensive project.

Slip dresses are classic pieces of attire that can be worn under another dress or by themselves for a breezy summer look. Slip dresses come in many styles and fabrics, and they can be dyed in any color desired. Dyeing a slip dress is a simple project that can be completed in an evening. It's best to use a cotton dress, as cotton absorbs fabric dye consistently. You can dye your slip dress a solid color, or you can tie-dye it using rubber bands. White fabric is the ideal color to dye; if you choose to dye a colored fabric, you may have to bleach it beforehand.

Things You'll Need

• White slip dress
• Fabric dye
• Rubber bands
• Large buckets or sinks
• Wooden stick or spoon
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Choose the correct dye color or colors for your slip dress. Both liquid and powdered dyes are available. If you select a powder dye, dilute it in two cups of water before adding it to the sink or bucket.

2. Fill your sink or bucket with enough hot water to completely submerge the part of the dress you wish to dye. Use more water if you plan to submerge the whole dress. Use as many buckets as you have colors of dye.

3. Add the dye to the buckets and stir to mix it in. Wear rubber gloves during the dyeing process to keep your hands from getting stained.

4. Tie rubber bands around the dress in different places if you want a tie-dyed slip dress.

5. Wet the dress before you place it in the dye bath to help the dye soak in more thoroughly. If you only want one color, submerge the dress in the color and leave it for several minutes, or until it is the color you want. If you are attempting to dye the dress with multiple colors, dip only part of the dress in the color you want. Hold it there, or suspend it using a clothespin, until it is the desired color.

6. Rinse the dress until the water runs clear. Unfold it and take out the rubber bands if necessary, then hang it up to air dry.

7. Launder your dress in the washer and dryer to help the dye set in. Use the washing instructions on the tag for reference. If there are no instructions, wash it on the "Delicate" cycle. Wash the slip dress by itself or with old clothes to avoid the dye bleeding and transferring onto other clothing.

References

• Rit Dye: Dyeing Techniques: Sink or Bucket
• All About Hand Dyeing: How To Tie-Dye