Cover table with plastic. Gather supplies.

Pre-wash shorts with fabric detergent, rinse and leave wet.

To prepare dyebath: Fill large dye container with 3 gallons very hot tap water (140F). If water is not hot enough, heat some water in a cook pot or teapot.

For cotton fabrics, add 1 cup of salt to the dyebath. This helps to intensify the color. Then add a squirt of liquid dish detergent. Stir well.     

Test dye color by dipping a paper towel in the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye; if color is too dark, add more water. 

Dip the bottom portion of the shorts into the dyebath. 

To agitate, hold the shorts from the waistband and continually move shorts from side-to-side, allowing the dye to move freely through the fabric.

When the desired color is achieved, remove shorts from the dyebath. Color appears lighter when dry.

Recommended: To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following instructions on bottle. Pour fixative into a spray bottle and spray the shorts. Let set for 20 minutes.

Rinse shorts in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear. 

Wash shorts in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.