Cute as a bug 🐞 Simply dye a polka-dotted top or dress red, add wings and antennae, and you’ve got an easy ladybug look ready to take flight.
Supplies:
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye in Cherry Red
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- PolkaDot Dress, cotton or natural fibers
- Salt
- Dish Detergent
- Large Plastic Container for Dyeing
- Measuring Cup and Spoon
- Plastic Table Cover
- Paper Towels
- Gloves
- Tongs
Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions:
- Cover work surface with a plastic cover. Gather supplies.
- Check the fabric content of your dress. The higher the percentage of cotton, the better the dye will stick to the fiber. 100% cotton will have the most vibrant result.
- For best results, prewash dress item before dyeing. This removes any manufacturer’s finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
- Fill dye container with 3 gallons very hot water (140F). Note: If water is not hot enough, heat some water in a cook pot to boiling and add to dye container.
- Dye Preparation: Shake dye bottle before pouring. Wearing rubber gloves, pour dye into the water. Then measure 1 cup salt dissolved with 2 cups hot water; add to dye bath. (Salt helps to intensify the colour.) Then add a squirt of dish washing liquid and stir well.
- Test dye colour to be sure you are satisfied. Dip swatch of white fabric or a paper towel into dye bath. If colour is too light, add more dye.
- Immerse wet dress in dye bath and stir continuously for 20 minutes. Wearing rubber gloves, move clothing item back and forth and up and down. This helps to ensure an even colour. Tongs are also helpful for lifting. Continue to stir occasionally for 10 minutes or until desired colour is achieved (up to one hour). The longer the clothes remain in the dye bath, the darker the colour will be. Colour will appear lighter when dry.
- To help reduce colour bleeding and improve colour retention, treat jeans with Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before rinsing. Follow package instructions. Remove from dye bath and squeeze out excess dye. Fill container with 3 gallons hot water and add 4 Tablespoons (1/4 cup) dye fixative; stir well. Immerse clothing item in fixative, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
- Remove dress and rinse in cold water until water begins to run clear. Then machine wash with an old towel in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry. If desired, iron to remove excess wrinkles.
