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Fabric Gift Wrap

by Rit Dye |

Item # 462233407P136
Beginner 1-2 Hours

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

  • Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, Desired colors
  • Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
  • Upcycled Fabric
  • Rubber Bands
  • Squirt Bottles
  • Container for Dyeing
  • Wood Blocks (for Shibori Technique)
  • Plastic Gloves
  • Plastic Table Cover

DIRECTIONS:

PREPARATION:
  1. Cut upcycled fabric depending on the size and shape of your gift.
  2. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the fabric.
  3. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing.
  4. Prewash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softeners, and leave fabric damp for dyeing.
  5. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  6. Lay damp fabric out on a flat surface.

SCRUNCH TECHNIQUE:
  1. Scrunch the fabric and secure with rubber bands. For more color and less white space, forego the use of rubber bands.
  2. Apply dye using the squirt bottle method.
  3. Wearing rubber gloves, mix 2 tablespoons of well-shaken liquid dye or 1/2 teaspoon of powdered dye with two cups of hot tap water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
  4. Pour into a squirt bottle.
  5. Shake well.
  6. Repeat for each color.

TIE DYE TECHNIQUE:
 
  1. Scrunch fabric to create rough diagonal pleats.
  2. Secure with rubber bands every 3-4" down the length of the scrunched fabric as shown.
  3. Apply dye using the squirt bottle method as described above.

ITAJIME TECHNIQUE:
  1. Accordion fold or "fan fold" the fabric in 4 1/2" wide folds down the length of the fabric.
  2. This will form a long rectangle.
  3. For more pattern variations, vary the size and width of the folds.
  4. Accordion fold or "fan fold" the long rectangle into a 4 1/2" fabric square.
  5. Then sandwich the fabric square between the 4" blocks of wood.
  6. Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless-steel sink with 3 gallons of very hot water.
  7. The water should ideally be 140 degrees F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/2 cup of well-shaken dye into dyebath and immerse bound fabric.
  8. We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas.  Follow these instructions.
  9. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  10. Carefully remove rubber bands and resists. Unfold the fabric.
  11. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

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