A cheap and easy way to make stunning table linens is to dip-dye fabrics.You will need to create three dye baths with different concentrations of dye to make a table runner.It is easy to create the effect by dipping the runner in the dye.You can use two colors to create a gradient effect.
Step 1: The buckets should be filled with water.
You can use two cups of water per bucket if you are only dyeing one or two table runners.You can change the amount of water based on the instructions of your fabric dye.The temperature of the water in a kettle or microwave should be at least 140 F.
Step 2: Prepare the dye.
If you are using powdered or liquid dye, you should read the instructions on the packaging to figure out how to prepare it.Depending on the type of fabric you will be using, you can mix the dye with water or add salt or vinegar.You can make up to four cups of dye.The dye can be put in a bowl, pitcher, or large measuring cup.You should change the amount of dye in your table runner.Darker colors will need more dye.Lighter colors don't need as much dye.In one cup of salt, mix cotton, rayon and linen fabrics.To make silk and nylon fabrics, stir in a cup of white vinegar.
Step 3: Each bucket has to be added with dye.
Each bucket has its own concentration of dye.14 cup of dye is enough for the first bucket.For the second and third, use 12 cup and full cup of dye, respectively.
Step 4: The test is first.
To test the color of the dye buckets, use a rag, scrap of fabric, or paper towel.Put the test strip in the bucket and let it dry.It is advisable to wait until the test strip has dried to see what color emerges from it.It's possible to practice getting the effect.To see how the colors blend into one another, dip the test strip in each bucket.It is recommended that you wear gloves as you dip into the dye to protect your hands.
Step 5: The runner was disrupted.
If you want to dye it, run the table runner under the faucet.It is a good idea to wring out excess water.The runner needs to be folded in half.If you have a compact roll, roll the table runner widthwise.The runner needs to be on one side of the roll.
Step 6: One end should be put in each bucket.
The hem side of the runner should be dipped into the first bucket with the lowest concentration of dye.It needs to be submerged less than two-thirds of the way up the runner.For a second, hold it there.Remove it from the second bucket and submerge it above the roll.It should be held there for two minutes more than the first.Take the fabric one-third of the way up, and hold it there for three minutes.The darker the color, the longer you hold the runner in the dye.submerge it for less than a minute if you want a very light shade.Hold it down for three minutes if you want a dark shade.
Step 7: Remove excess dye.
Run the fabric under the faucet after you have finished dyeing it.Remove excess dye from the water.If there are sharp lines in your fabric, you can use a damp paper towel to smooth them out.
Step 8: It is dry.
To dry the table runner, hang it.You should wash the table runner before using it.If the dye runs, don't wash with other linens or clothing.You can put machine-safe fabric dye in a washing machine.If it isn't, wash it by hand.
Step 9: Prepare two dye baths.
If you use two colors, you only need two dye baths.The instructions on the packet say to make one bath for each color.There are some color combinations that might work.
Step 10: Do not fold the runner.
Put extra water on the runner.You don't want to fold the runner for a single color effect.Roll it up from one end to the other.You can separate the sides of the table runner.The table cloth should be seen on either side of the roll.
Step 11: One end should be put into the first color.
Put one end of the runner in the tablecloth and put the other up to the table runner.Try not to get dye higher than the halfway mark if you move the runner up and down the dye.Remove excess dye.If you want a white strip in the middle, submerge the runner less than halfway up the run.If you don't want a white strip, submerge the fabric up to the halfway mark.
Step 12: If you want to dye the other side, do it.
Reroll the runner after you have washed the first color.Once you have reached the desired color, dip the other side into the dye and submerge the fabric.Hang to dry after rinsing excess dye.If you want the two colors to blend together, dip the second color before the halfway mark.Make sure the dyes don't run brown when mixed together by testing this with a rag or scrap.