How to Dye Fabric with Rit Dye: Full Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to breathe new life into an old garment, brighten up faded curtains, or add a personal touch to plain fabrics, Rit Dye is one of the easiest and most versatile options available. Each packet or bottle is packed with vibrant colour that works on a wide range of fabrics—from cotton T-shirts to silk scarves and even woollen jumpers.

Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement shade or a subtle refresh, here’s everything you need to know about dyeing fabric at home with Rit Dye.

Step 1: Choose the Right Dye for Your Fabric

Before you start, always check the care label of the item you want to dye. This tells you what fibre content the fabric is made from, which determines the best dye to use.

• Rit All-Purpose Dye works best on natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, silk and ramie. It also dyes rayon and nylon.

• If your fabric contains more than 35% synthetic material (such as polyester, acrylic or acetate), use Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fibre Dye instead—this formula is designed to bond with man-made fabrics.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what your fabric is made of, test on a small hidden swatch first.

Step 2: Understand How Colour Will Behave

• White or off-white fabrics will show the truest dye colour.

• Coloured fabrics will blend with the dye, creating new tones (e.g. blue over yellow may produce green).

• Patterns and logos will remain visible but change shade.

• Sun-damaged or bleach-stained fabrics may not absorb dye evenly. In these cases, try Rit Colour Remover before dyeing, but results can’t always be guaranteed.

Step 3: Pick Your Dyeing Method

Choose your dyeing method based on project size and desired results:

• Sink or Bucket Method – best for small items and beginners.

• Stovetop Method – ideal for vibrant colours or dyeing nylon.

4a. Sink or Bucket Method: Simple Fabric Dyeing for Small Projects

Ideal for small-scale dyeing (like T-shirts, pillowcases, scarves), this method is easy and gives you full control over colour depth.

1. Set Up Your Workspace

   • Cover surfaces and wear gloves.

   • Use a bucket, sink, or plastic tub that won’t stain.

2. Mix the Dyebath

   • Fill your container with hot tap water (around 60°C).

   • Use 11.5l water per 0.5kg of fabric.

   • Add 240ml of salt for cotton, rayon, ramie, or linen.

   • Add 240ml of vinegar for nylon, silk, or wool.

   • Stir in 5ml of dish detergent.

3. Add the Dye

   • Dissolve powder dye in hot water or shake liquid dye well.

   • Pour into dyebath and stir thoroughly.

   • Test colour with a paper towel—adjust as needed.

4. Prepare the Fabric

   • Pre-wash in warm, soapy water to remove finishes.

   • Keep fabric damp.

5. Dye the Fabric

   • Place item in dyebath and stir constantly for 10 minutes.

   • Stir frequently for up to 30 minutes (longer for deep colour).

6. Rinse and Set Colour

   • Rinse in warm, then cooler water until clear.

   • Apply Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for vibrant, lasting results.

   • Wash separately with mild detergent, rinse, and dry.

💡 Pro Tip: Great for beginners because you can watch the colour develop in real time and adjust depth easily.

4b. Stovetop Method: Deep Colours & Nylon-Friendly

This is the most reliable method for achieving rich, vibrant colours and is especially good for nylon fabrics.

1. Measure Your Fabric
   Weigh your item:

   • 1 liquid bottle or 2 powder packets = enough for 1kg of dry fabric.

   • For extra-bold colour, double the dye amount.

2. Prepare the Fabric

   • Remove stains first—they won’t disappear during dyeing.

   • Pre-wash in warm, soapy water to remove finishes and dirt.

   • Leave the fabric damp for better dye absorption.

3. Set Up Your Workspace

   • Cover work surfaces with plastic or newspaper.

   • Keep paper towels nearby for spills.

   • Wear rubber gloves for safety and insulation.

4. Prepare the Dyebath

   • Fill a large stainless-steel pot with 11.5l of water per 0.5kg of fabric.

   • Add 240ml of salt for cotton, rayon, ramie or linen.

   • Add 240ml of vinegar for nylon, silk or wool.

   • Add 5ml of dish detergent to promote even dyeing.

   • Heat water to just below boiling (93°C / 200°F).

5. Dissolve the Dye

   • Dissolve powder dye in 470ml of hot water before adding.

   • Shake liquid dye well before pouring in.

   • Stir thoroughly.

6. Test Your Colour
   Dip a paper towel to check colour depth. Adjust by adding dye or water.

7. Add the Fabric

   • Wet thoroughly before placing in the dyebath.

   • Stir constantly for the first 10 minutes, then occasionally for 10–60 minutes.

   • Nylon dyes quickly and darker; cotton blends may take longer.

8. Rinse and Finish

   • Remove fabric when desired colour is reached (it dries lighter).

   • Rinse in warm water, then gradually cooler water until clear.

   • Wash in mild detergent, rinse again, and dry.

   • For brighter colour and less bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative straight after dyeing.

Step 5: Aftercare and Long-Lasting Results

• Wash dyed items separately for the first few washes.

• Use cold water and mild detergent to reduce fading.

• Refresh heavily used fabrics with a quick re-dye when needed.

Final Thoughts

Dyeing with Rit Dye is a simple, budget-friendly way to transform clothing, revive faded fabrics, or customise home textiles. With the right preparation and technique, you’ll achieve rich, lasting colours that make your items look brand new.

💡 Remember: Choose the correct dye for your fabric, test colour first, and seal your results with Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for long-lasting vibrancy.

🔍 FAQs About Dyeing with Rit Dye

Q: What fabrics can I dye with Rit All-Purpose Dye?

A: Rit All-Purpose Dye works best on natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, silk and ramie. It also dyes rayon and nylon. For fabrics with more than 35% polyester or other synthetics, use Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fibre Dye.

Q: Can I dye polyester or synthetic fabrics with Rit All-Purpose Dye?

A: Rit All-Purpose Dye won’t bond properly to polyester, acrylic, or acetate. Use Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fibre Dye for best results on synthetic fabrics.

Q: Which dyeing method gives the brightest colours?

A: The stovetop method is best for vibrant colours because heat helps the dye fully absorb into fabric fibres, especially for nylon and silk.

Q: How do I stop my newly dyed clothes from bleeding?

A: Use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to set colour and reduce bleeding.

Q: Can I dye clothes that have bleach stains or sun damage?

A: Bleach and sunlight damage fibres, making even dye coverage difficult. You can try Rit Colour Remover first, but results may vary.