For maximum convenience, and for large items, use the washing machine technique. Use the stove top technique for best color results when dyeing with Rit Black Dye or other dark colors. The sink or bucket technique is suitable for dyeing small or delicate items. If you are just touching up a lightened area in fabric, the spot-dyeing method may be best. The color recipes featured in the ColoRit Color Formula Guide were developed using a low water immersion method of dyeing. Small quantities of liquid dyes, with the exception of Pearl Grey which is only available in powder, (refer to individual recipe) were mixed with 1 cup of very HOT water and used to color a 12" x 12" piece of cotton broadcloth fabric. Before dyeing, read these steps for achieving a true color and take the time to do a test sample. What May Affect Your Dye Results: - Fiber Content -- Colors shown are for cotton. Other fabrics, such as rayon, silk, wool, nylon and acetate dye beautifully, but the same dye color may appear lighter or darker, depending upon the fiber content. Also in some fabrics, such as rayon, you may notice a subtle color change.
- Weight of the Article -- This determines how much dye to use. Our recipes are based on dyeing one ounce of fabric. To dye more fabric, increase the dye measurements specified in a color recipe. Refer to the guidelines below.
- Amount of Dye – The weight of the article determines how much dye is needed. In general, using more dye will result in darker, brighter shades.
- Amount of Water – Low water immersion dyeing uses small amounts of water, which results in marbled effects with light and dark shading. For more even colors, the amount of water used when dyeing will have to be increased.
- Water Temperature -- To obtain the deepest color possible, use the hottest water that is safe for your fabric. We recommend a temperature of at least 140ºF.If your tap water is not hot enough, heat water in a tea kettle or the microwave.
- Dyeing Time – The longer the fabric is in the dye bath, the deeper and darker the color will be.
Fabric can remain in the dye bath up to one hour. Steps for Achieving True Color:
Try a Test Sample: Select your color recipe and dye a 12" x 12" piece of prewashed fabric that is the same fiber content as you plan to dye. Follow the dye measurements and mix with 1 cup very hot water. This is a low water immersion technique. Push fabric into a small 2-cup container, stirring fabric gently. Let set for 2 minutes or heat set in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Rinse fabric in cool water until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and hang dry. If you are satisfied with the color, then you are ready to get started dyeing. If possible, weigh your fabric or article using a food scale. The test swatch of fabric weighs about one ounce. If the article to be dyed weighs 8 ounces (men’s adult large T-shirt), then multiple the amount of dye needed by 8. If your article weighs 16 ounces, multiply by 16. Please see ColorRit Color Formula Guide at ritdye.com Prewash fabric or article to remove any finishes that prevent absorption of the dyes. Prepare dye bath following new recipe. Select a Dyeing Technique. Amount of water needed will depend upon the method of dyeing. Small amounts of fabric can be dyed using the Low Water Immersion or Microwave method. Before dyeing, dip test strip of fabric in dye bath to check color. If color is too light, add more dye; if it is too dark, add more water. Note: To achieve a more intense color when dyeing silk and wool, stir ½ cup white vinegar into dye bath 5 minutes after fabric has been in the dye bath. | 
