How to Use Food Coloring to Dye Clothes

Food coloring makes an inexpensive dye for clothing. Food coloring only works on animal fibers, such as wool and nylon. While this limits the items you can dye with this method, you can still easily update sweaters and other wool items. The process requires items you most likely already have in your kitchen or can buy inexpensively at the grocery store. There is no need to visit a craft store or purchase expensive ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Clothes Vinegar Large pot Measuring cup Paint stirrer Food coloring

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the clothing completely. Dye only 1 large item or 2 small items at a time.

2. Mix in 1/4 cup vinegar to each quart of water. Soak the clothing in this mixture for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the clothing and add a food coloring to the pot until the mixture is a shade or two darker than the desired color. Stir with a paint stick then replace the clothing.

4. Heat the dye bath to a simmer on your stove over medium heat. Do not cover. Lower the heat to medium-low and leave for 20 minutes.

5. Allow the dye bath to cool to room temperature, approximately 1 hour. The dye is bonding to the fabric as it cools.

6. Rinse the clothing under cold water until the water runs clear. Dry it on a line or laundry rack.

Tips & Warnings

• Silk and cashmere are other fibers that can be dyed with food coloring. Paste food coloring can be used instead of liquid. You will need to mix it with 1/4 cup of water first before mixing it into the dye bath.

• Wash dyed items only in cold water, preferably by hand, to prevent fading. Cover all work surfaces to avoid staining.

References

• Paula Burch