How to Dye Dyed Shirts
- 1). To restore your garment back to its original nature, choose a dye color that is slightly darker than the item you are dying. Buy two boxes (or pouches) of dye to be certain the dye is thick enough to saturate your clothes.
- 2). If you want to change the color of your garment, choose your dye color by considering what the end result will look like when the colors mix. Use a box of bright red dye for a bright shade of orange. Use a box of blue dye to turn a green shirt a cool shade of turquoise.
- 3). Read the directions on the box or pouch to be sure that your dye is compatible with the fabric you are dying. Wash your items to remove dirt, oils or stains. Dry your items.
- 4). Fill your washing machine with hot water. Do not fill it all the way. Bring the water level up high enough to cover the items you will be dying.
- 5). Stop the water flowing into the machine. (Look for a "stop" or "pause" button on your machine.) Keep the machine lid up at all times during the dyeing process. Add your boxes or pouches of dye and stir the items and dye around with a long stick or pole.
- 6). Put your gloves on, and add the items you want to dye. (Do not add too many; about four is a perfect amount). Do not put too many items in all at once because the dye will be more likely to saturate your fabric. If you use fewer items, place them in one at a time.
- 7). Use your covered hands to push the items down under the dye bath. Spread them out so the dye is touching all of the fabric. Smooth out any twisted folds that may have occurred in the fabric. (This is especially important for pants).
- 8). Leave your clothing in the dye bath for a few hours. Stir the clothing around with the pole, and be sure to press down any fabrics that may have floated to the surface of the dye bath. After you are certain everything is covered in dye, leave your clothes alone for a few more hours to allow the dye to really soak in.
- 9). Pull your items up to see if you have obtained the desired shade. If you want to go darker, just leave the items in as long as you would like. (This will not hurt the fabric at all.) When the desired shade is achieved, remove your dyed items, and drain the water out of your washing machine. Run a cool rinse cycle so you do not end up dying your next load of laundry by accident.
- 10
Place your dyed items into plastic bags, and tie the bag handles together to seal them shut. Leave them in the bags for 24 hours to allow the dye to set. Wash them in cool water after the time is up. Use a little laundry detergent if you would like. (Some dye brands like "Rit" have an odd smell.) Dry the fabric, and your items are ready to wear.
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