SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- 3 yds white 100% cotton fabric_x000B_Red Rit Dye_x000B_Indigo Rit Dye_x000B_1 Tbsp of dish detergent per color_x000B_1 cup salt _x000B_metal tongs_x000B_large bowl_x000B_rubber bands_x000B_rubber gloves_x000B_plastic table cover_x000B_scissors
DIRECTIONS:
- Cut pre-washed fabric into thirds lengthwise, so you have three long strips of fabric. Leave one of the strips undyed.
- Fold one of the thirds of fabric lengthwise in an accordion fold. Bind with rubber bands every 4" or so.
- Fold the last third of fabric in an accordion fold widthwise. Clean fold lines will produce sharper dye lines. Scrunched fold lines will produce a swimming pool effect.
- Protect work surface near stove top with plastic table cover or something similar.
- Soak fiber to be dyed in clean sink or large bowl of water.
- Fill a large stock pot with enough water for fabric to move around freely. Heat on high heat. Add blue dye when water begins to simmer and then turn heat down to medium heat. Add one cup of salt and 1 Tbsp of liquid dish detergent and mix well.
- Add folded cotton to dye bath and stir regularly for 10 minutes for even dye coverage. Leave in for up to one hour until you reach a desired color. Fabric will be darker when wet so keep that in mind.
- Rinse with warm water and then cool water until dye runs clear.
- Wash in warm water with mild detergent, tumble dry low.
- Wash stock pot thoroughly and then repeat with red dye and last bundled fabric.
- Once all fabric is dry again, cut into 3" and 4" strips to create fabric strips.
- Hang and enjoy.