Rit Dyed Shibori Wall Hanging

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Cotton Fabric
• Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Evening Blue (or your favorite colors)
• Octagon wood shape or desired shape
• Rubber bands
• Wood dowel
• Twine
• Sewing machine and thread
• Large Plastic Container
• Measuring Cup
• Salt
• Plastic Gloves
• Plastic Table Cover
• Paper Towels
• Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (recommended)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies. 
2. For best results, prewash fabric to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
3. To create pattern, accordion fold or 'fan fold' the fabric in 4" wide folds down the length of the fabric.
4. Repeat to accordion fold or 'fan fold' length of folded fabric into a 4" square.
5. Sandwich folded fabric square between octagon wood shapes and secure with rubber bands.
6. Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless steel sink with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
7. Pour 2 1/2 bottles of Royal Blue, 1/4 cup of Aquamarine and 1/4 cup Evening Blue or desired colors into dyebath.
8. To enhance the color: (1) add one cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add one cup of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
9. Test 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.
10. Immerse sandwiched fabric in dyebath. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
11. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
12. Recommended: Use Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Immerse the fabric into Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for 20 minutes, following directions on bottle.
13. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. 
14. Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry. 
15. Lay fabric flat and fold top 2" back and sew to create pocket for wood dowel.
16. Slide dowel into pocket and tie length of twine on either side to create wall hanging.