Directions for Using Rit Fabric Dye

Washing Machine

• 1

  Wash the fabric with laundry detergent to remove any residue or finishes. Wet the fabric thoroughly. Fill the washing machine with the hottest water possible.

• 2

  Add the required amount of dye following package directions based on the weight of the fabric, to 2 cups of very hot water. Stir until dissolved.

• 3

  Add the dissolved dye to the hot water in your washing machine and agitate so the dye is mixed into the water.

• 4

  Put the fabric in the washing machine. Agitate for a minimum of 30 minutes. If necessary, use more than one wash cycle without letting the machine go through a rinse cycle.

• 5

  Drain the water. Refill with cool water and go through the rinse cycle. Repeat until the water runs clear.

• 6

  Air or machine dry the fabric.

Sink or Bucket

• 7

  Wet the fabric completely. Fill the bucket with hot water. Add the required amount of dye to the water and stir with an old spoon.

• 8

  Place the fabric in the water and swish to make sure every part of the fabric is saturated with water. Continue swishing the fabric, up and down, back and forth for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the color. Dark colors require a longer period.

• 9

  Remove the fabric from the dye bath. Fill bucket with cool water and rinse. Continue rinsing until water remains clear.

• 10

  Wash in warm water with the appropriate amount of detergent. Rinse. Air or machine dry.

Special Techniques

• 11

  Treat the garment by washing and then saturating with water before dying.

• 12

  Wad the fabric up and tie it with rubber bands for a tie-dyed effect. Dye using the washing machine or bucket methods.

• 13

  Fill a large pan with hot water. Add dye and agitate with a spoon.

• 14

  Immerse the bottom one-third end of a dress or tee shirt into the dye bath and swish around for 10 minutes. Lower an additional one-third of the garment into the dye bath and continue swishing for another 10 minutes. Lower the remaining one-third of the garment and swish for five minutes longer.

• 15

  Remove and rinse until the water runs clear.