Dip-dyed Tablecloth

1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
2. For best results, prewash tablecloth to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
3. Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless steel sink with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140°F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove or kettle and add to the dyebath. Pour 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye into dyebath.
4. To enhance the color, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing. Stir well.
5. 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.
6. Fold tablecloth in half and in half again and dip edge of tablecloth into dyebath. Move up and down to create variations in shade.
7. When satisfied with color, remove tablecloth from dyebath. Wearing rubber gloves, squeeze out the excess dye.
8. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.

RECOMMENDED - Use Color Stay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention, and prevent dye from bleeding into white areas. Immerse tablecloth into fixative for 20 minutes, following directions on the bottle.