SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- White Cotton Socks
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye (color of your choice)
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- Plastic Squirt Bottles
- Rubber Bands
- Salt
- Baking Rack and Tray
- Measuring Cup
- Plastic Table Cover
- Rubber Gloves
DIRECTIONS:
- Prewash socks in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Lay socks out on a flat surface.
- Pleat socks.
- Wrap rubber bands tightly around the socks at various points. The rubber bands act as a resist and create white spaces. The more rubber bands you use and the tighter they are wrapped, the more white space there will be.
- Since we wanted to use multiple colors and control exactly where the dye went, we applied the dye with squirt bottles. However, you could also create a dye bath in a plastic container.
- Wearing rubber gloves, mix 1/2 cup of well-shaken liquid dye with two cups of hot tap water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Pour into a squirt bottle. Shake well. Repeat for each color.
- Place socks on baking rack with a tray under it. This keeps the dye from puddling under the fabric.
- Squeeze dye in between rubber bands.
- To help set the dye, we recommend using your microwave. Wrap the dyed socks in plastic wrap and seal the edges. Place the wrapped socks on a paper towel in the microwave and heat for 1 to 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 socks and open the plastic, letting it cool down.
- Before removing the rubber bands, we strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative on the socks. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow package instructions.
- Carefully remove rubber bands with scissors and unfold the fabric. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.