Supplies
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye - Coral Used For This Project
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
- 4" Blocks of Wood
- Salt
- Plastic Container or Stainless Steel Pot
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Measuring Cup
- Rubber Bands
- Plastic Gloves
- Plastic Table Cover
Time
1 Hour Total: {{ partial.tFLU.total }}
Difficulty
Beginner Total: {{ partial.tJAX.total }}
Instructions
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
- Pre-wash muslin baby blanket with detergent, rinse and leave wet.
- For this blanket, we used the traditional Itajime pattern. You’ll want to 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.
- Next, accordion fold or “fan fold” the long rectangle into a 4 ½” fabric square.
- Using two 4″ blocks of wood, sandwich the fabric between the blocks.
- Secure the “sandwich” with rubber bands to tightly hold the fabric square together. Set aside to prepare dyebath.
- To prepare the dyebath: Fill a large plastic container 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.
- To help enhance the color, add one cup of salt to the dyebath.
- Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Wearing rubber gloves, add 1/2 cup of well-shaken Coral dye to the dyebath. Stir well.
- Add sandwich to the dyebath. 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 blanket.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
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