How to Dye Missed Spots

Improperly dyeing your fabric can result in spotting.

Although dyeing your own clothing and fabrics can easily be done at home, you may also run into a few problems. One of the biggest problems with dyeing your own fabrics is dye spotting. Instead of redyeing the entire garment, you can simply dye the missed spots with a little extra dye. And before you get started on your next dye project, make sure you follow a few tips to prevent dye spotting (See Tips).

Things You'll Need

• Plastic trash bag
• Rubber gloves
• 2 tablespoons liquid all-purpose fabric dye
• Small bowl
• 1/2 cup hot tap water
• Plastic spoon
• Clean, white cloth or cotton swab
• Iron
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. Drape a plastic garbage bag over your work space to prevent staining, and put on a pair of rubber gloves to prevent your hands from staining, as well.

2. Pour 2 tablespoons of a liquid all-purpose fabric dye into a small bowl.

3. Add 1/2 cup of hot tap water to the small bowl, and stir the dye with a plastic spoon to make sure the water and dye are mixed thoroughly.

4. Place one corner of a clean, white cloth in the dye bath, and wring out excess dye. Dab the missed spots on the fabric with the cloth to apply the color. You can also dip a cotton swab into the dye to dye tiny spots on your fabric.

5. Leave the fabric to dry for 20 minutes. Turn on a iron and place a second clean cloth over the fabric. Press the fabric with the iron to set the dye.

Tips & Warnings

• How to avoid dye spotting:

• Wash the fabric you wish to dye before dyeing. The chemicals on new fabrics and the dirt and stains on older fabrics will cause spotting. Always soak the entire garment in warm water before placing it in the dye bath. Lay the wet garment in your dye bath uncrumpled and unfolded to prevent wrinkling which can cause spotting. Constantly agitate and stir your fabric in the dye bath during the entire dyeing time to ensure the whole garment is evenly dyed.

References

• Rit Dye: Spot Dyeing