Select your Dye Type

If the fabric you plan to dye is a natural fabric (such as cotton, linen silk, ramie or wool), rayon or nylon, then select the instructions for working with Rit All-Purpose Dye below.

If the fabric you plan to dye is synthetic (i.e. contains more than 35% polyester, acrylic or acetate), then select the instructions for working with Rit DyeMore for Synthetics below

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

Gather supplies. Shibori is traditionally done with Indigo hues.

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

Wet fabric and squeeze out any excess water.

To create a traditional Itajime pattern, accordion fold or “fan fold” the fabric in 4.5-inch / 11.5-cm wide folds down the length of the fabric. This will form a long rectangle. For more pattern variations, vary the size and width of the folds.

Accordion fold or “fan fold” the long rectangle into a 4.5-inch / 11.5-cm fabric square.

Sandwich the fabric square between the 4-inch / 10-cm blocks of wood.

Secure “sandwich” with rubber bands to tightly hold the fabric square together.

Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with two gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF / 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.

To enhance the colour: (1) add 1 cup / 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup / 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.

Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

As a general guideline, one liquid bottle or two powder packages dyes up to two pounds of dry fabric.

Wearing rubber gloves, add well-shaken dye or powder package(s) to dyebath.

Add sandwich to bath. For a high contrast pattern, keep the sandwich in the dyebath for about 3 to 5 minutes to keep the wrapped part dye-free. For more colour and less white areas, leave the wrapped fabric set in the dyebath for 10 to 20 minutes.

When desired colour is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Do not remove wood blocks.

We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing. It enhances the colour, increases color retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow these instructions.

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

Carefully remove wood blocks and rubber bands. Unfold the fabric.

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