Supplies
- Rit All-Purpose Dye (Terra Used Emerald)
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
- 100% Cotton Fabric
- 4" Blocks of Wood
- Salt
- Plastic Container or Stainless Steel Sink
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Measuring Cup
- Plastic Gloves
- Plastic Table Clover
Time
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Difficulty
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Instructions
- Prewash the fabric in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Gather supplies.
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wet fabric.
- To create a traditional Itajime pattern, accordion fold or “fan fold” the fabric in 4 ½” wide folds down the length of the fabric. This will form a long rectangle. For more pattern variations, vary the size and width of the folds.
- Accordion fold or “fan fold” the long rectangle into a 4 ½” fabric square.
- Sandwich the fabric square between the 4” blocks of wood.
- Secure “sandwich” with rubber bands to tightly hold the fabric square together.
- Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with two gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- To enhance the color: (1) add one cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add one cup of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- As a general guideline, one liquid bottle or two powder packages dyes up to two pounds of dry fabric.
- Wearing rubber gloves, add well-shaken dye or powder package(s) to dyebath.
- Add sandwich to bath. For a high contrast pattern, keep the sandwich in the dyebath for about 3 to 5 minutes to keep the wrapped part dye-free. For more color and less white areas, leave the wrapped fabric set in the dyebath for 10 to 20 minutes.
- When desired color is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Do not remove wood blocks.
- We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing. It enhances the color, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow these instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Carefully remove wood blocks and rubber bands. Unfold the fabric.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
- Wrap dry fabric on planter of your choosing and place plant inside.
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