Important Notes
Color
If the garment you are dyeing is white or off white, then you should be able to achieve true color. If the garment has an existing color, then please review our instructions on how to change the color of a garment.
Patterns and Logos
If the garment you are dyeing has a pattern or logo, the color you use will mix with the existing color(s) in the fabric and create new colors. To learn more about this, please review our instructions on overdyeing patterns and logos.
Bleach Stains and Sun Damage
Sun and bleach actually damage fabric, making it very difficult to dye. If you still want to try and dye a garment with bleach or sun damage, you could try using Rit Color Remover on the garment before dyeing. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee this will work.
Instructions
- To determine how much dye is needed, weigh the item to be dyed on a food scale or estimate the weight. As a general guideline, one bottle will dye up to two pounds of dry fabric. If dyeing you are trying to achieve a very bolder color, double the dye ratio.
- Fiber content and weight affect how color appears. If you are in doubt as to whether your fabric will accept dye or achieve the color you want, we recommend testing a swatch first.
- Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Cover area around stove with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
- Fill a stainless steel pot with enough water for the fabric to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top. If you are using DyeMore for Synthetics, or if you’re using All-Purpose dye on nylon, heat your water to just below boiling (200°F93°C). If you are dyeing primarily natural fabrics with All-Purpose dye, heat your water to 140°F60°C.
- If you are dyeing with Rit All-Purpose Dye: To enhance the color: (1) add 1 cup 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool. Add 1 teaspoon 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- When water begins to simmer, add dye and mix well.
- Wet the fabric, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.
- Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.
- Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour with stirring. If dyeing polyester or a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully. Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibers so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less.
- When desired color is achieved, remove from dye bath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
- If you are dyeing with Rit All-Purpose Dye or blends with Rit DyeMore that contain cotton, linen, rayon or ramie: To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
