Rit Dye Techniques

You can dye fabrics for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are correcting a problem in a favorite garment, or adjusting a shade for a perfect match. Maybe you are giving new life to a large piece of fabric like curtains or a bedspread.

Stove Top Method

This method works especially well with black dye or other dark colors. Use a pot big enough for the fabric to move around with the water. Use one package of powder dye or a half bottle of liquid dye per pound of fabric, plus 3 gallons of water. Dissolve the powdered dye in 2 cups of hot water prior to adding to the pot of water for best results. Soak the fabric and add to the pot of water and dye. Simmer and stir constantly for half an hour. Rinse in warm water, then continually rinse in gradually cooler temperature water. Hang dry or put in clothes dryer.

Washing Machine

Fill the washing machine with enough hot water so that the material can move freely. Dissolve powdered dye in 2 cups of hot water before adding it to the machine. Soak fabric in hot water before adding to the machine. Follow the package instructions to determine the amount of dye to use. Set the washer on extended wash cycle. Make sure the fabric is in dye for at least 30 minutes before the rinse cycle. For dark shades, wash in warm water with mild detergent then rinse in cool water. For lighter shades, use cool water. Continue rinsing until the water is clear. Hang to dry or use the dryer.

Bucket

For smaller or more delicate things, dye in a bucket or the sink. Never use a plastic bucket as it will absorb the dye. Follow the dye amounts recommended for stove top dying. Fill a sink or bucket with sufficient water to cover and allow free movement of the fabric. Wet the fabric in hot water before adding to dye bath in the bucket or sink. Stir up and down, back and forth. Keep the material in the dye bath for 30 minutes. Rinse the fabric in warm water, then continue to rinse in progressively cooler water until water runs clear. Hang to dry or use a clothes dryer.

Spot Dyeing

Liquid dye is the best option if you want to dye a small area of a garment or piece of fabric. Work on a flat area protected by plastic, such as a garbage bag. Wear rubber gloves for the process. Add 2 tbsp. of liquid dye to 1/2 cup of very hot water. Dip a corner of a clean cloth into the dye and carefully squeeze out the excess. Dab the cloth on the area you want to dye. For tiny areas, use a cotton swab. Allow the dye to set for at least 20 minutes. Set the color with a steam iron. Cover both the dyed fabric and the ironing board with clean rags. Wash the item in cool water and a mild detergent.

References

• RIT Dye: Dyeing Techniques