Supplies
- Cotton Fabric
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Evening Blue or Your Favorite Color(s)
- Octagon Wood Shape or Desired Wood Shape
- Rubber Bands
- Wood Dowel
- Twine
- Sewing Machine and Thread
- Large Plastic Container
- Measuring Cup
- Salt
- Plastic Gloves
- Plastic Table Cover
- Paper Towels
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
Time
1.5 Hours Total: {{ partial.t4L5.total }}
Difficulty
Beginner Total: {{ partial.t6N6.total }}
Instructions
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
- For best results, prewash fabric to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
- We used the Itajime Shibori technique to create this pattern. You can watch our video on how to create this pattern here.
- Accordion fold or ‘fan fold’ the fabric in 4” wide folds down the length of the fabric.
- Repeat accordion fold or ‘fan fold’ length of folded fabric into a 4” square.
- Sandwich folded fabric square between octagon wood shapes and secure with rubber bands.
- 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 2 1/2 bottles of Royal Blue, 1/4 cup of Aquamarine and 1/4 cup Evening Blue or desired colors into dyebath.
- To enhance the color: add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- 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.
- Immerse sandwiched fabric into dyebath. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
- We recommend using Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow these instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
- Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.
- Lay fabric flat and fold top 2” back and sew to create pocket for wood dowel.
- Slide dowel into pocket and tie length of twine on either sides to create wall hanging.
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