How to Get Coral Using Rit Dye

Get the color of coral with a mix of Rit dyes.

A delicate shade reminiscent of sun-drenched coral beaches can be made by combining two different colors of Rit dye. Rit dye has been used as a home fabric dye since shortly before WW I, when Charles C. Huffman began experimenting with fabric dye in a vacant Chicago store. By 1917, he began marketing his new project with the slogan "Never say dye -- say Rit!" Natural fibers like cotton and silk will accept dye the most evenly.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic bowl
• Tangerine Rit dye
• Scarlet Rit dye
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Water
• 1 pound cotton or silk fabric
• Washing machine
• Detergent
• Chlorine bleach

Instructions

1. Fill the washing machine with hot water.

2. Measure 1/4 teaspoon of tangerine Rit dye into the bowl. Measure 1/8 teaspoon scarlet Rit dye into the bowl. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and mix until the dye powder has dissolved. Add the dye to the washing machine.

3. Immerse the cotton or silk fabric in water. Place the fabric in the washing machine. Set the washing machine for a 30-minute extended wash cycle.

4. Set the rinse cycle and rinse the fabric in cold water until the water runs clear. Spin dry the fabric.

5. Dry the fabric in the dryer. Run the washing machine with hot water, 1 cup detergent and 1 cup chlorine bleach.

References

• Rit Dye: ColoRit Color Formula Guide
• "Fabric to Dye For"; Frieda Anderson; 2010