Elevate your tablescape with an affordable DIY project for the perfect touch of color and texture. Cheesecloths are one of our favorite things to dye (and the easiest) for an event due to their versatility. Think wedding backdrops, napkins, table runners, chair sashes, and whatever else you need in the exact color you need it in.
Supplies:
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dyes in Tangerine, Cocoa Brown and Scarlet
- Cheesecloth
- Rit Colorstay Dye Fixative
- Plastic Container for Dyeing
- Measuring Cup
- Large Metal Spoon
- Plastic Table Cover
- Rubber Gloves
- Dishwashing Soap
- Salt
Time: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions:
1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
2. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. We recommend using three gallons of water for every pound of fabric. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
3. Wearing rubber gloves, add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing. Add 1 cup of salt.
4. Pour well-shaken liquid dye into dyebath and mix well. We used the All-Purpose Harvest Color Formula.
5. Test the colors by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If the color is too light, add more dye. If the color is too dark, add more water.
6. Wet the cheesecloth you are going to be dyeing and add it to the dyebath
7. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
8. You can leave the cheesecloth in the dye bath between 10-60 minutes. Once you get a glimpse of the color you are looking for, remove it from the dyebath. Keep in them in mind that fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
9. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Squeeze out excess dye.
10. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions. This is to be done in a separate container.
11. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
12. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
