A Beginner’s Guide to Dyeing Fabric

Late last night I decided to dye some amazingly cool fabric I picked up from Harmony Provo. I thought it would be fun to take everyone on that adventure with me because dyeing is so fun! I was then inundated with questions, so I figured let’s do a blogpost! I’m by no means a professional but I’ve had fun experimenting so I’ll share what I’ve learnt.

This has been written in a Q + A format to be easily referred back to when needed. Let’s dive in!

1. What do you use to dye?

Since I mostly dye with cottons and linens I use RIT All purpose dye. If you’re planning on working with synthetics I would look into RIT Dyemore. I haven’t personally used that myself, so the following answers are based on using the All Purpose dye.

2. Where can you dye fabric?

Surprisingly you can dye in 4 places: Sink/bucket, Stove Top, Washing machine and microwave. I have tried the first three, but haven’t quite gotten to the microwave yet!

3. How do you dye in a washing machine?

There’s two processes for dyeing in your washing machine and that depends on what type you have: A front loader or a top loader. The following is what I do for mine and I have a top loader. NOTE: The most I have ever dyed, using this method, is 5 yards of fabric.

- Set your washing machine to the hottest temperature, high water level (deep water washing) and the shortest wash cycle. Press start.

- Once the cycle starts washing pause the cycle. Open the lid and add 1/2 cup of salt and the dye you intend to use. Stir with a ladle for a minute or so until the dye looks even. NOTE: Use gloves if you’re worried about getting dye on your hands.

- Add your fabric slowly to the wash, taking care to get all the fabric covered in dye as it goes in. Stir once it’s all in.

- Set timer for 30 mins.

- Check fabric after 30 mins. If you’re happy with your colour continue with the next steps. If not, add more time to your timer, making sure to stir occasionally. I’ve never gone longer than an hour.

- Close lid and press resume on your wash cycle.

- Once the cycle finishes air dry or place fabric in the dryer. NOTE: You can do another step to prevent colour bleeding by using RIT Colourstay Dye Fixative. This takes longer and I’ve done it twice and haven’t noticed any difference but if you would like to, then instructions can be found here.

4. How do you clean the washing machine after dyeing?

I clean my washing machine immediately after each time I dye. So when I dye three times, I clean my machine three times. Here’s what I do to clean my machine:

- Set the machine cycle to the hottest temperature, the high water level and the cycle you feel would give the best clean (you know your machine better than I do).

- Add 1/2 - 1 cup of bleach to the main drum and 1 cap full to the internal dispenser (if you have one). Add your usual amount of detergent for a regular load.

- Using 2-3 white towels, wipe down any plastic areas in your machine. RIT dye doesn’t adhere to any metal parts so you don’t need to worry too much about those areas.

- Add the towels to the load and press start.

- Once done, dry your towels and your machine is all clean!

5. Are you scared about dyeing in your washing machine?

Honestly, no I’m not! I haven’t had any issue and I’ve done it about 10+ times now. FUN FACT: RIT dye has been used for dyeing in washing machines since the 1950s!

6. I haven’t dyed before, what would you recommend?

I say jump in, because that’s what I did, but I would recommend using a white cotton or linen to start and using one colour bottle rather than mixing colours from the beginning.

7. How do you know what colour to do?

RIT dye has an amazing section on their site that shows you colour combinations. Linked here.

8. Isn’t it expensive to use dye?

Honestly, it can be. I usually look for sales and coupons and buy up then. I also buy colours that are deemed unpopular because you can use them to mix with others. This also helps save money down the track.

9. Are there alternatives to store bought dye?

Yes, there is! I have yet to dye with natural dyes but I will link two accounts that I’ve seen many people reference: @caramiyamaui and @rebeccadesnos

Hope this has been helpful! Good luck dyeing! It’s addictive. You’ve been warned.