Each ½ ounce jar contains enough to dye about two pounds of
material. Use more or less for darker or lighter colors. These
dyes are intended for use on cotton and other plant fibers such
as basket reed.
Determine the dry weight of the fiber to be dyed (approximate is
good enough if you do not plan to duplicate your results). Be
sure sizing or other fabric treatment has been removed.
Thoroughly soak the goods in warm water.
Dissolve dye in a cup of boiling water (use a ¼ oz per pound of
material to be dyed for a medium shade).
Fill a stainless steel, glass or enamel vessel with enough clean
water to cover the material. There must be enough room for the
water to circulate freely, or the results will be blotchy. Place
on heat and bring to a simmer.
Dissolve 4 ounces of salt for each pound of material into the dye
bath, and add the dye solution. Now introduce the material. Bring
to a simmer, and keep there for 20 minutes, stirring constantly.
Use an after-wash for best color-fastness. Dissolve 4 ounces of
salt and a cup of white vinegar per pound of material in cool
water. A plastic container is fine for this part, since it will
not have to be heated. Rinse the dyed material in this solution
and allow to dry. (Or use Retayne.)