Dyed Raffia Balls

Dyed Raffia Balls

By Janis Bullis

This straw-like fiber takes on a colorful new look when hand dyed and wrapped around Styrofoam® balls to create a decorative arrangement.  Choose a standard dye color or custom mix your own colors using Rit’s new online Color Formula Guide with over 500 color choices!  These dyed raffia balls can be color coordinated with a flower arrangement, bridal theme or a room’s décor.  Dyed raffia can also be used in bow making, gift wrapping, doll making and other craft projects.

Supplies Needed

  • Rit Liquid or Powder Dye:  Apple Green, Sunshine Orange, Evening Blue, Fuchsia and Teal
  • Raffia – 15 to 20 strands, 4 to 5 ft. lengths per ball
  • 5 Styrofoam® Balls, 3” diameter
  • ½” Sequin Pins or Craft Glue
  • Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Disposable Plastic Containers for dyeing
  • Spoon for mixing dyes
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Paper Towels

Instructions

1. Cover work surface with a plastic table cover. 

2. Decide what colors you like and prepare dye according to the basic recipe below. Liquid dyes are more concentrated that powder dyes so use half as much dye.  Always test color with fabric scrap or paper towel before dyeing raffia.  If color is too light, add more dye; if it is too dark, add more water.

3. Before dyeing, soak raffia in warm water.

4.  Basic Recipe: Measure and mix 2 teaspoons liquid dye with 4 cups hot water (140º F).  Shake liquid dyes before measuring.  If your tap water is not hot enough, heat some in the microwave or a tea kettle.

5.  Pour dye and water into a plastic container; stir.  Make sure container is deep enough. Then immerse raffia in dye solution for 5 to 10 minutes.  Stir occasionally and check color frequently.  Remove raffia when desired color is achieved.  Repeat for each color.

6.  Rinse raffia in cool water.  Then twist like a rope and air dry on paper towels.

7.  Cut dyed raffia in 4 to 5 feet lengths.  Wrap 15 to 20 strands around Styrofoam ball.  Pin or glue the beginning and end of each strand to ball

Details