How to Dye Cheesecloth Table Runners & Napkins

No matter what you plan to dye, the first step is to choose the right dye for your fabric or material. Always check the care label for the fiber content of the item you plan to dye.

We were making table runners and napkins out of cheesecloth and used the RIT ALL PURPOSE DYE.

As a general guideline, one liquid bottle dyes 1 kilogram of dry fabric, obviously the more dramatic or dark you wish the fabric to be, the more dye you will require.

STEP-BY-STEP:

Pre-wash fabric - use warm, soapy water without any fabric softener.
Prep your dyeing area & yourself - cover the work area or work outside + wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained.
Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with enough water for the fabric to move freely. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dye bath.
To enhance the colour add 1 cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; 200Ml of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
Add a squirt of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
Test colour by dipping a paper towel or a small fabric swatch into the dye bath. Adjust as necessary for desired colour.
Wet the fabric (if not directly out of wash), squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dye bath.
Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even colour with no splotches.
Fabric can remain in dye bath from 10 minutes up to one hour with stirring. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dye bath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
Use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding.
Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.