DYEING FABRICS WITH RIT DYES

RIT dyes work well with nearly all fabrics. Even with 100% polyester, you can get some very nice pale shades if you start with white. I have found that RIT does not dye the imported synthetic fur very well. The hot water needed tends to ruin the pile.

Important tips:

  • DO NOT WEAR YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHES! Wear an apron and/or old clothes.
  • Keep some bleach-cleaner close to clean up splashes right away.
  • Move all important or delicate items away from the area.
  • Use rubber gloves to keep your hands from turning brown, blue, red, etc.
  • RIT will dye all natural fibers, plastic, nylon, wood and some synthetic fabrics.
  • Fabric needs to be wet to take the dye better. Pre-wash or rinse in the sink.
  • All mini fabrics can be dried in the dryer. If you are only doing a few pieces you may want to toss in some old, clean towels to help them tumble and not get stuck to the back of the dryer.
  • Remember that fabrics with a cotton backing may shrink after washing & drying (ie: mohair, rayon)
  • HAVE FUN MIXING YOUR OWN COLORS! But, be sure to write down how much you used and what you did. If you really like it, then you will be able to do it again. (example: 1 tsp. yellow + ½ tsp. dark brown, stir for 15 minutes)
  • Dark colors (especially black and red) will need more dye.

If you only want to dye a few pieces (or even 1 piece), it is best to do it on your stove:
  • Use an old pot that will NOT be used for food. The pot MUST be stainless steel or enameled (with no chips or cracks). RIT dyes react with regular metal pots. Save some money and get a pot at a second-hand shop just for dyeing.
  • Dye only as many pieces that can freely move around in the pot. Do NOT pack it in. You will get streaks and un-dyed areas.
  • Fill pot ¾ full with water and set to high heat.
  • Add small amount of dye (the more dye, the darker the color) and mix to dissolve.
  • When water comes to boiling, turn to medium heat.
  • Add WET fabric.
  • You must stir constantly to get even dying of the fabric. Stir several minutes or until you get the shade you like.
  • Remove from pot and transfer to sink. Wash thoroughly with a little detergent.
  • Rinse several times until water runs clear. Add a little fabric softener to final rinse if desired.
  • Gently squeeze out excess water and dry in dryer.
  • Clean any splashes or spills with bleach.
If you plan on dying large amounts, then I suggest you do it in your washing machine:
  • Set the water level to the lowest setting.
  • Set the water temp. to the hottest setting.
  • Mix the dye with 1-2 cups hot water and stir to dissolve.
  • Add dye-water to machine and let it agitate a minute.
  • Add WET fabric.
  • Let it agitate for several minutes, or until the color is the shade you want. (Remember that it will be lighter when it is washed out)
  • Run through the rinse cycle as many times necessary to remove excess dye. Water should be clear in the final rinse cycle. Add a little fabric softener to final rinse if desired.
  • Dry in the dryer.
  • You will need to clean your washing machine after dying!! Run through 1 complete cycle with plain water and some bleach to remove all dye. Make sure to clean the top and any splashes that got out.

 

Stephanie:)