Hand-Dyed Marbled Fat Quarters

 

Quilter’s Fat Quarters - Colors show are: Golden Yellow, Fuchsia, Teal, Purple, Kelly Green, Petal Pink, Royal Blue, Evening Blue, Tangerine

Hand-Dyed Marbled Fat Quarters

Quilters like using hand-dyed fabrics in their quilts because they offer added depth and texture with light and dark areas that create a mottled look. Fat quarters, which are pieces of cotton broadcloth cut to 18” x 22”, are a common size for quilters to use. Any color of Rit dye can be used to color the fabric. Then the fabric is finished off in the microwave, which creates a heat chamber that helps the dyes penetrate the fabric.

Supplies Needed

  • Rit Dye, Powder or Liquid
  • 18” x 22” Cotton Broadcloth PFD (prepared for dyeing)
  • Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoons
  • 8-Cup Glass Bowl
  • Metal Spoon
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Rubber Bands
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Paper Towels
  • Microwave

Instructions for Dyeing Fat Quarters

  1. Cover work surface with plastic table cover.
  2. Cut white cotton broadcloth fabric into 18” x 22” pieces. If fabric is “prepared for dyeing” then it is not necessary to prewash it.
  3. Starting at one corner, crumble up fabric into a loose ball. Wrap loosely with rubber bands to keep fabric crumbled.
  4. Wet fabric in warm water.
  5. Wearing rubber gloves, measure 1 teaspoon powdered dye or ½ teaspoon liquid dye into 8-cup glass bowl. Add 6 cups very hot tap water; stir well. 
    Note: Test dye color by dipping a swatch of fabric in dye solution. If color is too light, add more dye; if color is too dark, add more water.
  6. Immerse wet fabric in dye solution. Push down with a spoon. Cover glass bowl with plastic wrap.
  7. Line bottom of microwave with paper towels to protect against spills. Place container in microwave and set on high for 2 minutes.
  8. Remove plastic wrap and rubber bands from fabric. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.

Details