Pink Blankets Dyed Two Ways

Pink Blanket Dyed Two Ways

By Rit Dye

Supplies & Tools 

            •           2 Large White Cotton Blankets

            •           Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Petal Pink (or Your Favorite Colour(s))

            •           Rubber Bands

            •           Large Plastic Container

            •           Measuring Cup

            •           Salt

            •           Plastic Gloves

            •           Plastic Table Cover

            •           Paper Towels

            •           Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative

Directions: 

1.      Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies. 

2.      For best results, prewash blankets to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.

3.    Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye into dyebath.

4.    To enhance the colour, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

5.    Stir well.

6.    Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.

7.      To shibori dye a blanket:

a.       Fold damp blanket accordion style vertically then fold length of blanket accordion style again horizontally and secure with rubber bands.

b.      Dip each side of folded blanket into dyebath. 

c.       When satisfied with colour, remove blanket from dyebath. 

d.      Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze out excess dye.

8.      To solid dye a blanket:

a.    Immerse blanket in dyebath. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.

b.    Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.

9.      We recommend using Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance colour, increase colour retention and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow package instructions.

10.     Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. 

11.     Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry. 

Skill Level: Beginner 

Approximate Crafting Time:1 Hour