How to Use Tulip One Step Fashion Dye

Protect work surface with plastic trash bags. Cover with a layer of paper towels.

Prewash fabric to remove sizing. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheet. Choose desired technique. If using wet technique, use directly from washer. If using dry technique, first dry fabric in dryer.

If using a flat method of dyeing, place plastic wrap or trash bag between layers of fabric to keep dye from seeping through to other side.

Wearing rubber gloves, add water to dye bottle, filling to line. Replace cap tightly. Shake until dye is dissolved. Use full-strength for intense colors. For a lighter shade of color, add more water using extra bottle if needed.

Apply dye on fabric, checking to make sure dye has penetrated into folds. Do not over-saturate fabric. If dye is applied too close together, the colors may become muddy.

Cover dyed fabric with plastic wrap to keep damp. Let set 6-8 hours or longer for most intense colors. Cut rubber bands if used. Fill washer to large load setting with cold water and a small amount of laundry soap. Wash and dry separately. Wash separately the first few washes.
 
Do not allow dyed fabric to rest wet on other items.

Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen absorb dyes much easier than sythetic fabrics.

For more intense colors on cotton, rayon, ramie, or linen, add one cup of salt 5 minutes after the fabric has been in the dye bath.

For more intense colors on nylon, silk, and wool, add one cup of vinegar 5 minutes after the fabric has been in the dye bath.

While dyes do revive old fabrics, they won't hide stains.

If mixing dyes to create your own color, test the water with a paper towel before putting in the fabric.

After removing the fabric from the bath, rinse it first in warm water and then in cool water until the water runs clear.

Wash the dyed fabric by itself for the first few times. You can add a small white cloth with it in the washing machine to see if it still bleeds color.

Use hot water and powdered cleanser or bleach to clean the containers or sinks you used to dye the fabric.

"Tips for Successful Dyeing" from The Rit Studio

"Dyeing Fabrics: Tips, Tricks, and How Tos" from Martha Stewart