• Rit All-Purpose Dye
  if dyeing Cotton, Linen, Silk, Wool, Rayon, Nylon or Ramie
• Rit DyeMore for Synthetics
  if dyeing Fabric with more than 35% Polyester, Acrylic or Acetate
• Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
  recommended if dyeing with Rit All Purppose Dye
  
• Stainless Steel Pot
• Measuring Cup
• Metal Tongs
• Rubber Gloves
• Plastic Table Cover
• Dishwashing Liquid
• Salt
  If dyeing Cotton, Rayon, Ramie or Linen
• Vinegar
  If dyeing Nylon, Silk or Wool

If you are dyeing a natural fabric (such as cotton, linen, silk, wool or ramie) with Rit All-Purpose Dye, using the stovetop method is ideal for achieving as bold or dark of a colour as possible.

If you are dyeing an item that contains more than 35% synthetic fabric (such as polyester, acrylic, acetate or nylon), then you must use the stovetop method with Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye.

So… if you have either of these goals in mind, you’ve come to the right place!

Before using this method, make sure you have a pot big enough for your dye project. You will need to fill it with enough water for the fabric to move freely. If there isn’t enough water, then the dye could absorb unevenly. We recommend 11.5 L of water per one pound of fabrics.

Colour
If the garment you are dyeing is white or off white, then you should be able to achieve true colour. If the garment has an existing colour, then please review our instructions on how to change the colour of a garment.

Patterns and Logos
If the garment you are dyeing has a pattern or logo, the colour you use will mix with the existing colour(s) in the fabric and create new colours. To learn more about this, please review our instructions on overdyeing patterns and logos.

Bleach Stains and Sun Damage
Sun and bleach actually damage fabric, making it very difficult to dye. If you still want to try and dye a garment with bleach or sun damage, you could try using Rit Color Remover on the garment before dyeing. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee this will work.

1. To determine how much dye is needed, weigh the item to be dyed on a food scale or estimate the weight. As a general guideline, one bottle will dye up to two pounds of dry fabric. If dyeing you are trying to achieve a very bolder colour, double the dye ratio.
   
   
2. Fibre content and weight affect how colour appears. If you are in doubt as to whether your fabric will accept dye or achieve the colour you want, we recommend testing a swatch first.
   
   
3. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
   
   
4. Cover area around stove with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
   
   
5. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
   
   
6. Fill a stainless steel pot with enough water for the fabric to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top. If you are using DyeMore for Synthetics, or if you’re using All-Purpose dye on nylon, heat your water to just below boiling (93°C). If you are dyeing primarily natural fabrics with All-Purpose dye, heat your water to 60°C.
   
   
7. If you are dyeing with Rit All-Purpose Dye: To enhance the colour: (1) add 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
   
   
8. When water begins to simmer, add dye and mix well.
   
   
9. Wet the fabric, 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. Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour with stirring. If dyeing polyester or a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the colour takes fully. Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibres so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less.
    
    
13. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dye bath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
    
    
14. If you are dyeing with Rit All-Purpose Dye or blends with Rit DyeMore that contain cotton, linen, rayon or ramie: To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
    
    
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.