Has anyone dyed curtains?

**Katybird** · 03-13-2004, 07:19 PM

I have a nice set of cafe curtains that are white with a yellow gingham trim. I would like to dye them green to go with my new Tuscan theme kitchen. I have never dyed anything but I remember my Mom using Rit dye when I was a kid. Does anyone have any experience with it, do you think it will work on my curtains? They are a cotton poly blend.

**simplemom** · 03-13-2004, 07:45 PM

I've never done this Kathy, but my grand-aunt, who is now 80 yrs. old has often dyed clothes and she says it works well. I was worried that the dye would fade in the wash, but she said if you follow instruction on the package...all turns out good.

Good luck with this project, Kathy!

**guest2** · 03-13-2004, 07:59 PM

Kathy,
My mom used to dye all kinds of stuff including my brother's underwear when they were little so she could tell who's were whos

. She always used Rit dye and the colors never faded.

**SewCrafty** · 03-13-2004, 08:18 PM

Yep, I use it!

Couple of tricks, make sure you use that whitener stuff of thiers first. Gets out any of the old color and most spots. Then go ahead and dye them. They have to be wet so the color doesn't go all splochy (is that a word?) on you.

How dark of a green are you thinking about? I have used the forest green of thiers on a sweatshirt about 3 years ago and the dye is still coming out of it. I even set it with vinegar and once with salt. So if you are going with one of thier dark colors make sure you wash them separate until you know there isn't any more dye coming out of them.

**Katybird** · 03-13-2004, 08:26 PM

I was thinking about maybe a moss green to go with the Tuscan theme. Thanks so much for the information everyone. I am going to try it next week I think. Deed, is the whitener stuff a color remover? Is it sold with the dyes?

**Guest1** · 03-13-2004, 10:42 PM

Pretty much what's already been said.....definately go with the whitener - the dyes are pretty reliable as far as color goes too, or at least the ones I've used are.....I dyed a plain white top orange (......I don't know.....) in 1994 & it still looks pretty good!

Let us know how it turns out!

**SewCrafty** · 03-14-2004, 04:21 AM

Originally posted by karlisangel
Kathy~

I have dyed several items. Never had any problem. I always use the colour remover first and then dye ....Just follow instructions on the box, and yes, the colour remover and whitener are sold with the dyes.
Good luck. Sounds pretty

One other thing, if you use your washing machine to do this in, make sure you run it empty (no clothing) afterwards with soap, just like a regular cycle. You have to get the dye out that is sitting in the bottom or it will ruin the next load of clothes.

Go ahead, ask me how I know!

**Darlene** · 03-14-2004, 06:37 AM

Originally posted by SewCrafty

One other thing, if you use your washing machine to do this in, make sure you run it empty (no clothing) afterwards with soap, just like a regular cycle. You have to get the dye out that is sitting in the bottom or it will ruin the next load of clothes.

Go ahead, ask me how I know!

OK, how do you know?

**SewCrafty** · 03-14-2004, 06:38 AM

Jack ended up with pink underwear and socks!

**lacyj** · 03-14-2004, 08:51 AM

Saw this on another site:
RIT dye will make custom colors for FREE, send a swatch to them
http://www.ritdye.com/craft_faq.asp

If you have a special color you would like matched, send us a color swatch and a swatch of the fabric you plan to dye, we'll be happy to create a color recipe just for you. Be sure to enclose your return address.
Rit Consumer Affairs
Color Matching Service
P.O. Box 21070
Indianapolis, IN 46221
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lacyj

**Katybird** · 03-14-2004, 11:55 AM

Thanks Lacy. I had no idea that they would do things like that.

Thanks for the warning Deed. Kenny might not like it if I turned his socks and underwear a lovely moss green.