- Cotton Rope Basket
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Evening Blue or Your Favorite Color
- Large Plastic Container
- Plastic Gloves
- Measuring Cup
- Salt
- Plastic Table Cover
- Paper Towels
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
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Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
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For best results, prewash basket to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
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Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless steel sink with 3 gallons of very 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. Pour 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye into dyebath.
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To enhance the color, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
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Stir well.
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Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
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Dip bottom of basket into dyebath. Move basket slowly around to move dyebath to create natural uneven lines.
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When satisfied with color, remove basket from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
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Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze out excess dye.
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Recommended: Use Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Immerse the basket into Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for 20 minutes, following directions on bottle.
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Rinse in cool water until water runs clear and let dry.