How to Make Colored Burlap with Rit Dye in 6 Steps

Burlap is brown or tan, but you can color it to make your crafting projects more exciting and breathe life into your home. Whether you’re crafting vibrant table runners, eye-catching tote bags, or unique home décor, colored burlap will surely make your projects stand out.

Burlap is a versatile and eco-friendly material commonly used for home decor, craft, and DIY projects. With its rustic charm and natural texture, burlap adds a unique touch to any project. One way to further enhance the appeal of burlap is by dyeing it, and Rit Dye is a popular choice for this purpose.

Rit Dye is a brand of fabric dye that has been around since the early 20th century. It is used to color textiles, clothes, and other materials made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool, as well as some synthetic fibers like nylon and rayon. Rit Dye is available in various forms, including liquid, powder, and dye pens, and comes in a wide range of colors. It is popular among DIY enthusiasts and crafters for its ease of use and versatility, enabling them to create custom colors and patterns on fabrics, tie-dye projects, or for refreshing the color of faded garments.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to dyeing burlap with Rit Dye, so you can personalize and transform your colored burlap projects with ease. You will need to gather the required materials, prepare the burlap for dyeing, mix the Rit Dye, dye the burlap fabric, rinse and dry the colored burlap, and consider post-dyeing tips and care instructions.

1. Gather your materials

Burlap fabric. I found burlap roses at Hobby Lobby for $1 each
Rit Dye (liquid or powder). I used tangerine
Large plastic tub or bucket
A stirring utensil, such as a wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Gloves and protective clothing
Old towels or newspapers for surface protection
Plastic wrap (optional, for tie-dye effects)
Rubber bands (optional, for tie-dye effects)

2. Prepare the burlap for dyeing

Measure and cut the burlap to the desired size, keeping in mind that it may shrink slightly during the dyeing process.
Wash the burlap in cold water to remove any dirt, dust, or sizing agents. Pre-soak the burlap in warm water for 30 minutes to help it absorb the dye evenly.
To prevent fraying edges, consider sewing a simple zigzag stitch around the edges or using a fabric sealant.

3. Mix the Rit Dye

Consult the dye package for the recommended water-to-dye ratio. Generally, one bottle of liquid dye or one box of powder dye is sufficient for 1-2 pounds of fabric.
Mix the dye with hot water (140°F or hotter) in your large plastic tub or bucket. Stir the dye solution thoroughly to ensure even color distribution.
For a more intense color, increase the dye concentration by adding more dye or reducing the water volume.

4. Dye the burlap fabric

Immerse the pre-soaked burlap in the dye bath, ensuring it is fully submerged.
Stir the burlap continuously for the first 10 minutes and then occasionally for another 20-40 minutes, depending on the desired color depth.
To create unique patterns, such as tie-dye or ombre, use rubber bands or plastic wrap to manipulate the fabric before dyeing.

5. Rinse and dry the colored burlap

Remove the burlap from the dye bath and gently squeeze out excess dye.
Rinse the burlap under cold water until the water runs clear, removing any unabsorbed dye.
Gently wring out the burlap to remove excess water, carefully not to twist the fabric too tightly.
Lay the burlap flat on a clean surface, away from direct sunlight, to air-dry.

6. Consider post-dyeing tips and care instructions

Iron the dyed burlap on a low heat setting to achieve a smooth finish, placing a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent scorching.
For future washing, use cold water and mild detergent, and either air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat to maintain the vibrancy of the dyed burlap. Store the burlap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
To avoid color bleeding, wash the dyed burlap separately from other fabrics, especially during the first few washes.

Check out more Rit Dye projects.