Low-Water Immersion
Low-Water Immersion Dyeing
Low-water immersion dyeing uses a small amount of water compared to standard dyeing methods, and the dyeing is done in small plastic disposable containers. Cotton fabric and cotton batting and can be dyed using this method. The fabric is pushed into a small container, which creates patterns and texture that give it a marbled, hand-dyed look. This method also makes it easy to combine two or three dye colors at the same time, giving the fabric more visual depth with light and dark areas.
Supplies Needed
- Rit Dye, powder or liquid
- 18" x 22" Fat quarter - cotton fabric or batting
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic disposable spoon
- 3-Cup plastic disposable containers with lids
- Small bowl
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic table cover
- Paper towels
- Microwave
Low-Water Immersion Dyeing Instructions
Note: Photos and instructions are for cotton batting, but cotton fabric can also be dyed using this method. Color and amount of dye used can be changed.
Large cotton batting swatches show Golden Yellow and Teal are dyed separately and then combined to create the green/yellow swatch. Lighter variations are in the background.
Golden Yellow and Teal dyes are combined to create a marbled green/yellow batting. The rules of color mixing apply. When yellow and teal blue are mixed, shades of green will appear.
- Cover work surface with plastic table cover.
- Cut 18” x 22” piece of batting (fat quarter). Immerse in bowl of warm water. This will help open up the fibers and make them ready to absorb the dyes; set aside.
- Wearing rubber gloves, measure 2 teaspoons Golden Yellow dye into 3-cup container. Add 1 cup hot tap water (about 140°F); stir to dissolve dye and set aside. Note: If your tap water is not hot, heat water in a tea kettle or in the microwave.
- Measure 2 teaspoons Teal dye into 3-cup container. Add 1 cup hot tap water; stir to dissolve dye and set aside. Note: At this point, you can test dip a strip of batting into the dye solution. For lighter shades, add more water or use less dye.
- Squeeze excess water from batting and shake out so scrim (polyester backing that holds fibers together) is scrunched up on the inside.
- Push batting into plastic container with Golden Yellow dye solution. Use a spoon to move batting around and push it down to be sure it absorbs the dye.
- Pour Teal dye solution over the batting. (Use just as much dye solution as you desire.) Push out air bubbles with a spoon. Continue to push and move batting. The more movement of batting, the more the colors will blend together.
- Line microwave with paper towels. Place lid on top of container that holds the batting and dyes. (Do not seal container.) Place in microwave and set on HIGH for One minute. This creates a heat chamber that helps the dye penetrate the fibers.
- Carefully remove container from microwave. Rinse batting in cool water until water runs clear. Wash batting in warm water with detergent; rinse and hang to dry.
