Supplies
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye
- Cotton Patterned Overalls
- Wide Paintbrush
- Measuring Cup and Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Gloves
- Dish Detergent
- Salt
Time
Total: 1 hour
Difficulty
Intermediate
Instructions
- Prewash overalls in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp and set aside.
- Wearing rubber gloves, create a 3 gallon dyebath with ½ cup of Rit Dye All-Purpose Liquid Dye in desired color.
- Add ½ cup of of salt to the dyebath and stir.
- For Solid Dyed Overalls:
- Wearing rubber gloves, submerge the overalls into the 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.
- For Colorblocked Overalls:
- Fold and secure the half that is NOT being dyed in plastic wrap and rubber bands to ensure dye does not get on it.
- Carefully dip one leg into the prepared dyebath until you meet the center seam of the overalls.
- Dip the wide paintbrush into dyebath and paint along the center seam to create a clean line.
- Repeat steps to dip the other half into a secondary color.
- To set the dye, apply Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative with a squeeze bottle, which will enhance the colors and reduce bleeding. Mix 2 tablespoons of well-shaken ColorStay Dye Fixative with water and apply liberally to both sides of the fabric.
- Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear. This is very important to prevent unabsorbed dye from bleeding into any other areas.
- Wash in cold water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
