SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Cotton Button-Down shirt
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Indigo & Pearl Grey used here
- Plastic squeeze bottles
- Salt
- Rubber bands
- Baking rack & tray
- Measuring cup
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic table cover
- Paper towels
DIRECTIONS:
- Prewash clothing in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- This 1st step is easier with two people. Hold one end of the shirt while the other person twists the shirt until you can't anymore. If you are working alone, you can secure one end of the shirt to a doorknob.
- Create a bundle with rubber bands.
- Wearing rubber gloves, mix 1/2 cup of well-shaken Indigo liquid dye with two cups of hot tap water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Pour into a squirt bottle. Shake well. Repeat for Pearl Grey color.
- Squeeze dye onto clothing in random sections. Flip and repeat.
- To help set the dye, we recommend using your microwave. Wrap the dyed fabric in plastic wrap and seal the edges. Place the wrapped fabric on a paper towel in the microwave and heat for 1/2 minutes. Plastic will puff up, creating a heat chamber that helps bond the dye with the fabric. Once the microwave is done, remove the clothing and open the plastic, letting it cool down.
- We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative on the clothing. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow package instructions.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.