How to Dye Your Cardigan

How to Dye Your Cardigan

Supplies: 

  • White Cotton Cardigan
  • Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Navy
  • Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative(Recommended)
  • Salt
  • Measuring Cup
  • Large Metal Spoon
  • Plastic Container
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Dishwashing Liquid

Time: Total 30 Minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

Instructions:

  1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
  2. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Prewash them in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  3. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with three gallons of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the garment to move freely. The water should ideally be 140F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
  4. To enhance the color, add one cup of salt.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  6. We generally recommend using 1/2 cup of liquid dye (or one powder dye package) to dye one pair of jean.
  7. Wearing rubber gloves, add well-shaken dye to the dyebath. Stir well.
  8. Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If the color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
  9. Wet the garment and add them to the dyebath.
  10. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
  11. The garment can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to 1 hour. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the garment in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully.
  12. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Garment will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out extra dye.
  13. To enhance color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing.
  14. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  15. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

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