Wicked Tie Dye Velvet Pumpkins

Tie Dye Velvet Pumpkins

By Rit Dye

Supplies & Tools

·         Rit DyeMore for Synthetics: Super Pink, Royal Purple, Apricot  

·         Velvet

·         Fabric Scissors

·         Uncooked Rice

·         Polyester Stuffing

·         Needle Thread

·         Dried Pumpkin Stem or Stick

·         Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

·         Rubber Bands

·         Stainless Steel Pot for Dyeing

·         Measuring Cup

·         Salt

·         Rubber Gloves

·         Paper Towels

·         Plastic Table Cover 

Directions:

1. Cut out 15-20” circles from velvet fabric.
2. Pinch center of circle and wrap rubber band ½” from the pinched center and wrap another rubber band down the length.
3. To create your dyebath, fill a stainless-steel pot with three gallons of hot water. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or 180 F°).
4. Wearing gloves, add 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye and mix well.
5. Add bound velvet circles into dyebath. Stir occasionally for 5 to 30 minutes. The longer the fabric is in the dye bath, the darker the colour will be. Please note that fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
6. When desired colour is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Let cool and squeeze out excess dye.
7. Repeat to create another dyebath colour to create dip dyed look.
8. Carefully remove rubber bands with scissors and unfold the fabric.Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
9. Once dry, sew a basting stitch around the edge of circle and gather.
10. Fill velvet pumpkin with 1 cup of uncooked rice and fill the remainder with polyester stuffing.
11. Tighten and secure the gathered fabric with a knot. Bring the needle and thread through the pumpkin, out the bottom and create a stitch to make a little dimple. Bring the needle and thread back up and secure with a knot.
12.  Hot glue dried pumpkin stem over gathered fabric. 

Skill level: Beginner       Approximate Craft Time: 1 hour