For general dye projects, follow the sink or bucket method directions below.

If you are looking to achieve as vibrant a colour as possible, follow the stovetop method instructions further down the page.

1. Gather supplies

2. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the jeans. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Prewash them in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

3. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.

4. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.

5. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with 11.5 liters of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the jeans to move freely. The water should ideally be 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dye bath.

6. To enhance the colour, add one cup of salt.

7. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

8. We generally recommend using 120 mL of liquid dye (or one powder dye package) to dye one pair of jeans. However, if you are trying to achieve the darkest colour possible, we recommend using the whole bottle (or two packages of powder dye).

9. Add well-shaken dye to dye bath.

10. Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dye bath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.

11. Wet jeans, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.

12. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even colour with no splotches.

13. Item can remain in dye bath from 10 minutes up to one hour. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dye bath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the colour takes fully.

14. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dye bath. Jeans will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.

15. To enhance the color and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.

16. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.

17. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

1. Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the jeans. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Prewash in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

2. Cover area around stove with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.

3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.

4. Fill a stainless steel pot with 11.5 liters of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the jeans to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or around 93°C).

5. To enhance the color, add 240 mL of salt.

6. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

7. Since you are trying to achieve the darkest colour possible, we recommend using a whole bottle of liquid dye (or two packages of powder dye).

8. When water begins to simmer, add well-shaken dye and mix well.

9. Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dye bath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.

10. Wet the jeans and add them to the dye bath.

11. Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.

12. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even colour with no splotches.

13. Item can remain in dye bath from 10 minutes up to one hour. If dyeing polyester or a polyester cotton blend, keep the jeans in the dye bath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the colour takes fully.

14. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dye bath. Jeans will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.

15. To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.

16. Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.

17. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the jeans. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Prewash then in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

2. Cover area around stove with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.

3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.

4. Fill a stainless steel pot with 11.5 liters of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the jeans to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling at 93°C.

5. To enhance the colour, add 240 mL of salt.

6. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

7. We generally recommend using 1 bottle of dye to dye one pairs of jeans. However, if you are: (a) trying to achieve the darkest colour possible or (b) dyeing 100% polyester, we recommend using two bottles.

8. When water begins to simmer, add well-shaken dye and mix well.

9. Wet the jeans, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.

10. Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.

11. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.

12. Since you are dyeing polyester or a polyester cotton blend, keep the jeans in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the colour takes fully.

13. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dyebath. Jeans will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.

14. If dyeing a blend containing cotton, linen, rayon or ramie, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding.

15. Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.

16. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.