Stovetop Fabric Dyeing

Get the most vibrant or deep colour and try the stovetop hand dyeing method. Dye small items by hand with a pot reserved for dyeing. Tintex is not food grade so avoid using cooking pots for dyeing fabric.

  1. Wear rubber gloves to prevent dye from staining your skin and if needed protect work area.
  2. Fill a pot with enough water to completely cover the material and allow it to move freely when stirred (do not place your material into the water yet).
  3. stovetop fabric dyeing methodPlace the pot on the stovetop and bring the water to a boil.
  4. Carefully pour the required amount of Tintex powder dye into the boiling water, stirring until evenly dissolved. Darker or brighter colours use double the usual amount of product.
  5. Carefully place damp, unfolded item into the pot, immersing it completely under water.
  6. Bring dyebath back to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 20 – 30 minutes. Dye colour will appear darker while wet. Darker or brighter colours may need dyeing times of up to 60 minutes.
  7. When finished, carefully pour the entire contents of the pot into a clean, stainless steel sink. Proceed with caution as contents will be very hot.
  8. Run lukewarm water over item to cool it down and to remove excess dye. Continue rinsing until water runs clear.
  9. When safe to handle, gently squeeze excess water from the material without wringing. Hang the item to air-dry or lay flat.
  10. Wash pot and sink with chlorine bleach.
  11. Wash fabric in warm water with laundry detergent, alone or with similar colours.
  12. Optionally iron material while still slightly damp to lock in colour.