SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Dress or other spring wardrobe item
- Rit® All-Purpose Liquid Dye in color of choice - Coral used for this project
- 4 gallon plastic tub or bucket
- Measuring cup
- Salt for cotton, linen & rayon fabrics
- White vinegar for silk or nylon fabrics
- Liquid dish detergent
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic table cover
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (recommended)
DIRECTIONS:
- Cover table with plastic. Gather supplies.
- Estimate the weight of your dress or other upcycled clothing item. As a guideline, 1/2 cup (half bottle) of liquid dye will color up to 1lb of dry weight fabric. For darker colors, double the amount of dye used.
- For best results, run the dress under water, wring out and leave wet.
- To prepare dyebath: Fill large plastic tub or bucket with 3 gallons very hot tap water (140F). If water is not hot enough, heat water in a cook pot or teapot. Shake dye bottles before pouring. Wearing rubber gloves, add dye to water; stir well.
- For best results, add 1 cup of salt to dyebath if dyeing cotton, rayon or linen. Add 1 cup of vinegar to dyebath is dyeing nylon or silk. This helps to intensify the color. Then add a squirt of liquid dish detergent. Stir well.
- Test dye color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
- Immerse wet dress in dyebath. The wet fabric will absorb the dye more evenly and prevent splotchy results. Stir constantly for 30 minutes or until desired color is achieved (up to one hour). Stirring helps to ensure an even color. Dress will look darker when wet and prior to washing.
- Recommended: To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following package instructions. Let dress set in fixative for 20 minutes.
- Rinse dress under cold running water until water begins to run clear. Hand wash and line dry.