Jo Traveler: Wool Stadium Blanket Re-Do

This week I found an old wool blanket from the 1970’s in the back of my closet. It was way too florescent and bright for me. So I found an old box of denim rit dye and toned down the bright colors. I love the bright yellow mellowed to a chartreuse green. This is a great example of a re-do,"Re-use."

Here are examples of technique for maximum convenience and especially for large items like this blanket.

How to dye in Top-Loading Machines

Fill machine with enough hot water for fabric to move freely. Refer to the chart below for the right amount of dye to add. Pre-dissolve powder in 2 cups of hot water. Add pre-dissolved powder or liquid to hot dye bath.
Wet fabric in hot water. Uncrumple and add to dye bath.
Set machine for extended wash cycle. Fabric should be in dye bath for at least 30 minutes before rinse begins. (You can reset your washing machine before the rinse cycle begins for extended wash cycle.)
Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Wash deep shades in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
Dry item in dryer or hang to dry.
Clean washing machine using highest water level with hot water, detergent and 1 cup chlorine bleach using complete wash cycle. Clean lint traps. Plastic or rubber machine parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.

For Front-Loading Machines (including HE models)

GETTING STARTED

The settings and options of various front-load washing machines vary among manufaturers. Even though there are slight differences among differing manufacturer's wash settings, they are common in that they all introduce water to the tumbler once the garment is placed inside. They allow a time period to introduce detergent (or dye in this case), and they all finish with a spin cycle.

It is important to use the washer's hottest water setting. Additionally, a wash cycle of at least 30 minutes is recommended to obtain a satisfactory dyeing.

Because front-load washers have built-in heaters to maintain the washer's temperature and the water to fabric ratio is relatively high as compared to top-load machines, deep rich colors can be achieved using Rit dyes.

DYEING WITH RIT DYE

Follow the package or label instructions as you normally would. There are two exceptions to the package's instructions when using a front-load washer. Once, it will be necessary to place the wet fabric into the washer before beginning the dye cycle. Second, when dyeing with Rit powder or liquid dye in a front-load machine, it is necessary to pre-dissolve the dye into four cups of very hot tap water. Once dissolved, pour the dye solution into the washer's dispenser at the appropriate time you would add detergent. After the dye solution has entered the washer, it will be necessary to flush the dispenser with another four cups of very hot tap water.

In many cases immediately after adding the dye solution, the garment may have a mottled appearance. This appearance will become level as the dyeing process continues.

ADDING SALT

If salt is desired when dyeing a cellulose material, the salt should be pre-dissolved into four cups of very hot tap water, added to the dispenser, and thoroughly flushed with another four cups of very hot tap water after the dyeing has proceeded for about 10 minutes.

IMPORTANT

One package or one-half bottle dyes 1lb. dry weight or about 3 yards of medium fabric to a medium color. Never use more than a total of 4 packages or 2 bottles of Rit Dye. Depending on your washer's brand, the dyeing may be slightly darker than the color represented on the package or bottle.
For most washable fabrics. Not recommended for 100% polyester, 100% acrylic, 100% acetate or fabrics with special finishes, rubber backing, washable only in cold water or labeled Dry Clean Only.
Use Rit Color Remover before dyeing fabric to a lighter or different color.

CLEAN UP

Clean washing machine immediately after dyeing has completed using the hottest water setting. Since the machine automatically weighs fabric to determine the water level, be certain to place 3-4 old towels into the washer along with detergent and 1 to 2 cups chlorine bleach. Wipe spills with chlorine bleach solution. Plastic or rubber parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.