SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Flannel Shirt (cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie, and blends less than 35% synthetic material)
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye
- ColorStay Dye Fixative
- 4 Gallon Bucket
- Dishwashing liquid
- Rubber Gloves
- Measuring Cup
- Large Metal Spoon
- Old Towel
- Plastic Table Cover
- Salt
DIRECTIONS:
- When selecting colors, the color you choose to overdye with will mix with the existing color(s) in the fabric to create new colors. If you are trying to predict the outcome, just remember that color rules will apply. As an example, if you were to use a blue dye on a white item with a pink flower pattern, the pink flowers will turn purplish (blue and pink make purple) while the rest of the fabric will dye blue. Even if you were to overdye the patterned garment with a dark color, you may find that the color will appear lighter along the patterned area.
- Gather supplies and protect work surface with a plastic table cover.
- Estimate the weight of the blouse to determine how much dye to use. As a guideline, 1/2 bottle liquid dye or 1 box of powder dye will color up to one pound of dry weight fabric. For darker colors, double the amount of dye used.
- Prewash flannel in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Wring out excess water.
- To prepare dyebath: Fill a large plastic tub or bucket with 3 gallons of very hot tap water (140 degrees F). If water is not hot enough, heat water in a pot. Shake dye bottle before pouring. Wearing rubber gloves, add 1/2 cup of All-Purpose Liquid Dye into water; stir well.
- Add 1 cup of salt to dyebath; stir well.
- Add 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 it is too dark, add more water.
- Immerse damp flannel into dyebath. Stir constantly for 30 minutes or until desired color is achieved (up to one hour). Fabric will look darker when wet and prior to washing.
- Recommended: To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, immediately immerse the dyed blouse into Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for 20 minutes, following these directions.
- Rinse flannel under cold running water until water begins to run clear. Then wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.