Tri-Color Trench Coat

Step 2:

Starting with one cuff, unfold so the finished edge is at the bottom of the sleeve. Carefully submerge the sleeve in the Color Remover solution to the point where the cuff will later be folded. In this case, there was also a seam at this point. Hold the sleeve at this level for about 10 minutes. You can leave it longer depending on the fabric if needed. Remove from the Color Remover solution and place the wet end into a bag to keep it away from the rest of the coat. Repeat the process on the second cuff.

Note: Normally when using the Rit Color Remover, the fabric is wet when added to the Color Remover solution. I was working with dry fabric to better control the amount of Color Remover solution that naturally wicks up in the dipping process.

On to the coat: Holding the coat by the shoulders, dip the bottom evenly into the Color Remover solution. Submerge it to a point just below the waist seam and hold in place. The container holding the Color Remover solution should be large enough that the fabric is not bunched or twisted. This could lead to uneven results. Hold at this level for about 10 minutes. Remove and place this section into the last plastic bag.

Step 3:

Soak the belt in warm water and squeeze out excess water. Immerse in the Color Remover solution and stir for about 10 minutes.

Holding above the lightened areas, rinse each section separately in hot, then warm water to remove excess Color Remover. Do not use cold water. It could set wrinkles into your fabric. Remove safety pins. Wash coat and belt in warm water with mild detergent and dry. Repin the coat for the dyeing process.

Now to dye it up! Clean out your pot or container well. Shake, measure and mix ¼ cup Tangerine dye + ¼ cup Sunshine Orange dye + 1 cup of salt in 2 gallons of very hot 140˚F water. Stir well. If your tap water is not hot enough, just heat some in the kettle or microwave.

Step 4:

Again working each area separately, immerse each lightened section of the coat in the dye bath in the same method as before and hold for about 10-15 minutes. After each section is dyed, place in a plastic bag so the dye doesn't run into the original khaki areas.

Again holding the fabric at a point above the dyed areas, rinse each section separately in cold water to remove excess dye. Holding the fabric in this manner, keeps the dye from running into the original khaki area. Rinse until the water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent and dry.

Dyeing the belt: Again clean out your dye container or you can use a smaller 1 gallon container for this step. Shake, measure and mix 2 Tablespoons of Evening Blue dye + ½ cup of salt into 2 quarts of very hot 140˚F water. Stir well. Dip the belt in warm water and then immerse in the dye bath, stirring for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the dye bath. Rinse and wash the belt using the same method as step 11.

Step 5:

OK, you've nailed it! Just iron your trendy, (re)new color-block trench coat, cuff your cuffs and show it off.