Upcycled Bedsheet Bat Costume

October 12 2022

Transform a thrifted sheet into this bat-fan (a bat caftan) for a vintage halloween look. It’s comfy, cozy AND sure to spook the neighbors if you walk by the windows. Truly the perfect outfit for any witch.

Supplies
  • Rit Dye All-Purpose Liquid Dye in Black
  • Thrifted Cotton Bedsheet
  • Container for Dyeing
  • Tongs
  • Sewing Machine + Thread
  • Scissors
  • Dinner Plate for Tracing
  • Fabric Marker
Time
Total: {{ partial.t42Y.total }}
Difficulty
Intermediate Total: {{ partial.tRDL.total }}
Instructions

 

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A post shared by Rit Dye I Fabric Dye (@ritdye)

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the fabric. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  2. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
  3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
  4. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. We recommend using three gallons of water for every pound of fabric. The water should ideally be 140°F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
  5. To enhance the color: (1) add 1 cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  7. If using powder dye, dissolve thoroughly in 2 cups of very hot water.
  8. Pour well-shaken black liquid dye into dyebath and mix well.
  9. 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.
  10. Wet the fabric, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.
  11. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
  12. Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully.  Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibers so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less.
  13. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
  14. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
  15. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  16. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
  17. Fold dyed bedsheet in half and use a dinner plate to trace and cut scalloped edge as shown in the video.
  18. Sew along the scalloped edge, leaving an opening at the bottom for your legs.
  19. Flip inside out and cut a semi circle along the fold for your head.

 

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