If you are using Rit All-Purpose Dye, the most realistic test would be to use a scrap piece of fabric from the garment you are dyeing. However, you can also test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. Paper towel is made of fibers that react to the dye in a similar way that cotton would.

If you are using Rit DyeMore Synthetic Dye, we recommend first heating up the dyebath on your stove to almost boiling. The most realistic test would be to use a scrap piece of fabric from the garment you are dyeing and leave it in the dyebath for 5 minutes. If a scrap piece of fabric isn’t available, then use a fabric swatch that has a similar fiber makeup as the garment (if available). Unfortunately, due to the complexities of dye synthetics, using a paper towel to test color will not give you a close representation of how the color will appear on your synthetic garment. It is worth a try if you do not have a fabric swatch available, but please keep in mind that it won’t provide you with an exact match.

If color is too light, add more dye; if color is too dark, add more water. If more dye is needed, add dye in increments of 1/4 to 1 teaspoon, depending upon the recipe or amount of fabric being dyed. If color is too dark, add hot water in 1 to 2 cup increments, depending upon size of dyebath and amount of fabric being dyed.