- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye (Aquamarine Used Here)
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (Recommended)
- Rope Basket
- Large Bowl or Plastic Container
- Salt
- Measuring Cup
- Plastic Table Cover
- Rubber Gloves
- Paper Towels
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Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
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For best results, prewash basket to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
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Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless steel sink with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/3 bottle of well-shaken Aquamarine dye into dyebath.
- Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
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Place your basket into dyebath so that it floats on top. The cotton basket will naturally absorb the dye and you’ll notice the dye slowly spread up the basket from the base that is sitting in the liquid. Also, the longer the basket sits in the dyebath, the dye will seep through the cotton and fill the bottom of the basket. This will help achieve the ombre look. If you have to empty some of the dye, lift the basket straight up and let it drip out of the bottom. If you want unevenness to your basket, just tilt the basket side to side.
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When satisfied with the color, remove basket from dyebath. The basket featured was in the dyebath for about 10-15 minutes. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.
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Recommended: Use Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Immerse the basket into Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative for 20 minutes, following directions on bottle.
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Rinse in cool water until water runs clear and let air dry overnight.
