How to Dye Socks

If you want to create a certain color sock for your family, friends, team, or to match an outfit you may want to check out how to dye socks.

White Cotton Socks are the easiest type of sock to dye.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White cotton socks the style and size of your choice
• Gloves
• Craft Dye such as RIT
• Pots, Bucket, Sink, Stove, Wash Machine, Dryer
• Protective clothing
• Area protected to prevent spills.

1. Pick an area in your home that you want to dye your socks in.
   Protect the area with drop cloths, newspapers to prevent spills or accidents.
   
   Pick out the white cotton socks of your choice and purchase the color dye such at RIT dyes that you want to use to dye your socks in.
   
   Prepare area and put on gloves and protect your clothing from getting the dye on them.

2. There are several methods available to dye socks. One of the easiest methods is to add the fabric dye to a gallon of hot water and put the socks in following the directions on the fabric dye box. Stir constantly and rinse in cold water. Be sure to wash the socks at least one time before washing with other clothing to prevent the dye from going on other clothes.
   
   Other methods that can be used to dye socks are:
   
   Washing Machine - Use hot water and fill the wash machine with enough water to allow the fabric to move around. Fabric should be in the wash machine for at least 30 minutes before using the rinse cycle. Dry them in a dryer on hang them to dry. Be sure to clean the washer with hot water, detergent, and 1 cup bleach using the complete wash cycle.
   
   Stove Top Method - Fill the pot with enough water so that socks can move around freely. Use dye according to package directions. Wet the fabric in hot water first and then bring dye to a simmer before putting the socks into the water. Stir constantly and rinse in warm water to gradually cool water and wash them in a mild detergent before drying in a dryer or hang to dry. Clean all containers with chlorine bleach or powder.
   
   Spot-Dyeing - This technique is used when you need to correct a color on a fabric or you are dyeing a small amount of fabric. This can be used for striping or tie-dying socks also. Follow directions as provided on the package.

3. You can make fun socks for your family and friends by creating your own colors. Make socks in team colors, strip your socks, tie-dye socks and more! These can be creative gift items or fun items to sell at craft fairs.

Tips & Warnings

• After you dye your socks be sure to wash them before washing them with other clothes to prevent color runs.
• Be creative - RIT has some great dyeing techniques to create custom colors and use different fabrics.
• Clean up buckets, sinks, wash machines, pots, etc with chlorine bleach to prevent any dye colors from getting on other items.
• Protect your clothing and work area from getting any dyes on them
• Experiment with colors on test fabric before dyeing your socks.
• Follow the directions on the craft dye package to get the best results.

Resources

• Rit Dyeing Techniques
• Rit Dyes

[martielownberry]

on 10/19/2009 helpful hints on sock dying.