How to Dye a Bedspread

Whether you are trying to revive a faded bedspread or need a particular color to complete your decorating scheme, an economical way to change the look of your bedspread is to dye it. Using commercial dye and your washing machine, make this a quick and mess-free way to resolve the irritating conflict between last year's version of cranberry or mauve and this year's completely different take on the color. Here's how to give your bedspread a new colorful look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid or powdered dye in sufficient quantity for yardage of bedspread
• Bedspread
• Washing machine large enough to wash bedspread
• Clothesline or dryer
• Rubber gloves

1. Check fabric content of bedspread. All washable fabrics can by dyed, but different fabrics absorb dye color differently. Pure cotton holds color best and is most suitable for deep, intense shades. While rayon also absorbs color well, polyester, nylon and other synthetic fabrics tend to absorb less dye, and color results may be lighter.

2. Measure your bedspread before purchasing dye to ensure adequate quantity for the shade you want. Some dyes will specify square inches or suggest items (like 4 T-shirts) that a package will color.

3. Set the washing machine at the hottest water setting and add dye. Agitate for 3 minutes to make sure the dye is dissolved and evenly distributed in the water.

4. Using rubber gloves, add bedspread to washer tub, spreading as evenly as possible around agitator and removing as many creases as possible.

5. Set the washer to the maximum wash time. Stop, if necessary, at the end of the wash cycle and reset rinse cycle to warm or cold.

6. Remove the bedspread from the washing machine, remembering to wear your rubber gloves. Place in the dryer or hang up to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Check dye package directions for additional tips on machine dyeing. Wash bedspread separately from other items after it has been dyed. Home-dyed fabrics may be slightly more light-sensitive than commercially dyed ones. Protect your dyed items from prolonged exposure to intense sunlight for the most longest-lasting results.