Dip-Dyed Beach Tote Favor Bags

Step 1:

1. Prewash wash cloths to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

2. Cover work surface with plastic table cover. Shake all dye bottles before measuring dye.

3. Wearing rubber gloves, prepare 4 dye baths for dip-dying wash cloths. Melony used 2 color combinations, an Orange/Peach and BlueCuracao/Margarita. Dye recipes are custom colors from the Rit Color Formula Guide. Several wash cloths can be dipped into each dyebath. Note: Before discarding dye baths, place natural starfish buttons in one of the dyebaths (color of your choice) for 30 seconds, remove and place on layers of paper towels to dry.

4.For Dyebath #1 Orange/Peach #464: Measure and mix ¼ teaspoon Scarlet and ¼ teaspoon Sunshine Orange with 1 cup very hot water (140 F). Pour into 4-cup container; stir well. Dip one half of wash cloth into the dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

Note: If the color is too light, add more dye. If the color is too dark, add more water.

Also the dye/water ratio can be increased to dye more wash cloths at one time.

5. For Dyebath #2 Orange/Peach #115: Measure and mix ½ teaspoon Scarlet and ½ teaspoon Taupe with 1 cup very hot water. Pour into 4-cup container; stir well.

Dip other half of wash cloth in the dyebath. Remove and wring out excess dye.

6. Wrap each wash cloth in plastic wrap, sealing the edges. Place in plastic bowl or on paper towels and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.

7. Remove from microwave and allow to cool. Unwrap plastic wrap and rinse in cool water to remove excess dye. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang to dry.

8. For Dyebath #3 Blue Curacao #565: Measure and mix 2 Tbs. Aquamarine and ¼ teaspoon Kelly Green with 1 cup hot water; stir well. ). Pour into 4-cup container; stir well. Dip one half of wash cloth into the dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

9. For Dyebath #4 Margarita #476: Measure ½ teaspoon Kelly Green with 1 cup hot water; stir well. Pour into 4-cup container; stir well. Dip other half of wash cloth into the dyebath. Remove and carefully wring out excess dye.

10. Repeat steps 6 and 7 above.