Transform your space with a subtle pop of pattern and color. These black-out curtains started simple - but with a quick shibori itajime dyeing technique and our rich Plumberry shade, they now feature a modern, grid-like design that’s both bold and beautifully minimal.
Perfect for adding personality without overpowering your space, this project is proof that a little dye goes a long way in home decor.
Supplies
- Rit DyeMore for Synthetics in Plumberry
- Black Out Curtains
- 4-6" Blocks of Wood
- Large Clamps or Rope
- Stainless Steel Pot for Dyeing
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Measuring Cup
- Rubber Bands
- Plastic Gloves
- Plastic Table Clover
- Time
Time: Total: 1 hour
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions:
- Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the fabric. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Prewash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Gather supplies and cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wet fabric and squeeze out any excess water.
- To create a traditional Itajime pattern, accordion fold or “fan fold” the fabric in 4.5-inch / 11.5-cm wide folds down the length of the fabric. This will form a long rectangle. For more pattern variations, vary the size and width of the folds.
- Accordion fold or “fan fold” the long rectangle into a 4.5-inch / 11.5-cm fabric square.
- Sandwich the fabric square between the 4-inch / 10-cm blocks of wood.
- Secure “sandwich” with rubber bands or clamps to tightly hold the fabric square together.
- Fill stainless steel pot with two gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be just below 200ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- As a general guideline, one liquid bottle or two powder packages dyes up to two pounds of dry fabric.
- Wearing rubber gloves, add well-shaken dye to dyebath.
- Add sandwich to bath. For a high contrast pattern, keep the sandwich in the dyebath for about 3 to 5 minutes to keep the wrapped part dye-free. For more color and less white areas, leave the wrapped fabric set in the dyebath for 10 to 20 minutes.
- When desired color is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Do not remove wood blocks.
- Rinse in warm water then gradually cool until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Carefully remove wood blocks and rubber bands. Unfold the fabric.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
