Flosstube #42: How I dye fabric using Mason Jars

Welcome back to the House of Floss & Fluff for a special Flosstube episode!
For this video, I talk about how I dye fabric using mason jars.
(Please keep in mind, I am not an expert, nor a professional fabric dyer. These are just methods that I have used, that work well for me.)
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For tips, tricks and how-tos for using RIT Dye:
www.ritdye.com/
Supply List:
- Quart Mason Jar(s) -- You will need a separate jar for each piece of fabric you wish to dye.
- Fabric you want to dye
- Fabric Dye (for the purposes of this tutorial, I used RIT dye)
- Container to mix dye
- Stirring stick or spoon
- Measuring cup for water
- Measuring spoons for dye
- Rubber gloves
- an Iron
If using oven to dry fabric, you will need...
- Cookie sheet pan with sides
- Tin Foil (or something that is oven safe and keeps fabric off the surface of the cookie sheet)
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and have fun dying your fabric!

[@Yvonnescraftyadventures]

I just found your tutorial and it was so different from what I have done so far. I always used the low immersion technique but you get such nice mottling, your fabric is beautiful so I will give this a try for sure. Thank you so much for filming this.

[@trishwarnes4035]

Thanks so much. This has been very helpful.

[@jenniferpackard6558]

This was a very good video and just what I was looking for. Thanks so much!!

[@anitaridenhour7536]

I have been using Rit dye and trying to dye my own fabric just this past year and was never able to get the mottling that I wanted. I tried your method and it worked great and was super easy! I finally got some really good mottling and the colors look fantastic!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

I'm so glad to hear you used the method and got good results!

[@stefwild3322]

Thanks for the tutorial. Like your method.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you!

[@wooleygirl5240]

This was a wonderful tutorial-I really enjoyed watching and learning your techniques. I haven't dyed fabrics with Rit dye, but I have alot of them that I haven't used yet. Now I will get them out and give it a try. Your instructions were very clear and I appreciate you taking the time to make this tutorial for all of us out here in Flosstube land. Thank you so much. Pam Miller in Alabama

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much, Pam! I'm very glad you found the video helpful and I hope you have a great time dying fabric.

[@teresacash6258]

I would love to see what you stitched on the coral dyed fabric.

[@allyelly1519]

Thank you. You've inspired me to try. Your fabric was lovely.

[@purplepeacockjill]

Thanks for the great tutorial. This way seems so much easier than some of the other ways. 💜

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@desigo6293]

One of the best dying tutorials! Can you update this maybe focus on colour combinations? How much did fabric shrink?

[@brandykimani8402]

excellent tutorial! I will definitely be trying this. You've gotten beautiful fabrics with this method!!!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you very much!

[@frogandfudge]

What a fantastic tutorial. Straight forward and possible! Thank you so much 😍

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, Diane!

[@chrisc4518]

Loved your video. I think you're on to something here. I have put off overdyeing a fabric for Sally Spencer that is too orangey. Now I'll use your method!!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a great time dying your fabric and I look forward to seeing your results.

[@justsewsherry7184]

Watched this morning and will be trying later today. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

That's terrific, looking forward to what you come up with...

[@lindascheriger4689]

Best dying tutorial I've watched. Thanks! Your method is the one I will be using.

[@JackieOnyon]

Thank you so much for this video! I have had fabric and bottles of dye sitting because I've been too intimidated to try dying the aida myself. I am so inspired and you took so much of the mystery out of the process. Now I think the hardest part will be deciding what colors or mixtures to try first!

[@maureenmichaud843]

What a great tutorial, glad you made this video as this is how I found your KZbin videos". I will certainly be watching for more.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Yay, so glad you enjoyed the tutorial and found my channel!

[@marlenehaller1851]

Wow such beautiful results. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you very much!

[@Amylovestoads]

Carrie, that is amazing! Now I want to try to dye some fabric.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much, Amy!

[@Amylovestoads]

The House of Floss & Fluff I wish we lived close so we could get together and dye fabric and stitch.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

That would be so much fun, Amy! Maybe someday!

[@quiltingqueen3835]

Loved your tutorial!! I especially love how you layer the different dyes to create multiple colors in your cloth. Stitching with my Bestie gave you a shout out on their last video for your dying tutorial, that is how I found you...I would love to see more of how you choose your color combinations when dying your fabrics if you decide to do more tutorials...thanks so much for taking the time to do this tutorial! Take care...Dora

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much, Dora!

[@robinmixon6999]

Watched you video last night and decided to try a piece of Lugano I was not happy with. I love the result! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

That is terrific! So glad the fabric turned out!

[@abuelitap65]

Awesome Tutorial. Love all the colors, newly dyed and previously dyed. Thank You So Much for the Tutorial. Hae a Great Week. (Pauline S)

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank so very much, Pauline! I'm glad you enjoyed the tutorial.

[@sheliaburton541]

Beautiful fabric! Thank you for the tutorial. Now I need to dye some fabric!!!

[@rachelberry1570]

Thank you for doing this tutorial. I love the colours you have chosen and I shall be trying some dyeing myself soon.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you very much and I look forward to seeing what you come with...

[@lisanortman4494]

Thanks for doing this tutorial. I’ve been afraid to try dyeing my fabric, but your process looks really easy, and your fabrics turned out beautifully!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@michelehoward2391]

Fun to learn this technique! Thank you!

[@marthajohnson3342]

🌻Thank you for such a thorough tutorial using RIT and jars. I have not used RIT dye with jars but I will definitely use your method next time. I liked your results 🌻

[@chriegould906]

Thank you for taking us through the process....will definitely try this!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@ohmyaida9801]

I found your video last week and dyed my own fabric this morning. Super easy. Thank you for your video.

[@kellyhale2778]

Great video! So glad I found this I will be doing this. Thanks

[@lucycraft1]

Awesome tutorial!! Definitely doing this ASAP!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you and yay, can't wait to see what you come up with...

[@roseholman5584]

I will try this next time!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

That's great! Can't wait to see what you come up with...

[@MizzRowe]

Loved this video. One of the best I've seen on dyeing fabric. Will definitely be trying this. Found you thru Stitching With My Bestie.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@thecurrentstitchuation4665]

Love the tutorial. Always looking for new ways to dye fabric.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you!

[@witchcitystitcher]

I can't wait to make my own!! Thank you!

[@margomcintosh6070]

Thanks for the tutorial. I’m going to try this.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much!

[@lauranordehn2226]

I really enjoyed this tutorial....I can’t wait to try this!!!!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you so much! Hope you have a terrific time dying your fabric.

[@ariesradio]

Such a good tutorial, easy to follow, Thank You so much!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@glassquilt2017]

What a great tutorial! Thank you for sharing such great information. I can’t wait to try this. Thanks again!!!

[@theresamorgan1033]

I do believe I LOVE this way to dye.....OMGOSH. THANK YOU!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️. I kept saying that they use to carry it b the bolt..

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

So glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@nautibearsboatyard1242]

Great video! It’s amazing that you get that modeling even though the fabric is completely submerged! I’m going to have to try this technique!

[@barbaracarbone8101]

Thanks for the video. I am definitely going to try this.

[@SumiraO_9513]

THanks for the tutorial! I look forward to trying it.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lisa1968]

This is great info. I'll be trying this very soon! TFS!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you very much!

[@giselem.kusmik5110]

Thank you so much for making this video! I learned so much! 😊💖

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, I'm so glad you found the video helpful!

[@rhondaedwards6736]

THANKS SO MUCH!!! Beautiful Fabrics!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@sararichards518]

Enjoyed this video very much and hope to overdue some fabrics I’m not happy with. Thank you! 😊💕🌷

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you!

[@TheKayaker71]

I am soooo glad I took the time to watch your mason jar dying method! I was thinking for my first time dying cross stitch fabric I would try the ice cube method. I watch 5 or 6 videos on that method, but the results just weren't what I am hoping to achieve. Since I love mason jars in general (so versatile) - I thought "Why not look?" Once summer settles in here in upstate New York - I will definitely be trying your method for several projects I have in mind to stitch. I quilt as well (among a couple other crafts - Yes, I am an addict to creating, No I am not looking for a cure) - in quilting I love batik fabrics and now I am wondering if I can create something similar while dying cross stitch fabric?!?!? Maybe a wax crayon resist as I dye separate colors? Who knows?! I figure it will be worth trying! Thank you for sharing this technique and come summer I look forward to giving it a try! And I am now a subscriber, off to stalk a video or two of yours :)

[@Janetl62]

Brilliant method! Thank you!

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@lauramcdaniel8414]

Wow learned a lot, thanks so much!

[@BlackRibbonStitchStudio]

Loved the video! I’m thinking about dying some fabric for Stitchmaynia! 💝

[@debralindsay5610]

Love the tutorial. I think I'll be brave enough to try this method.

[@CatherineRMoore]

very informative, thank you!

[@kathytansey2486]

Great video ! I need to get me some dye and extra whitefabric! ❤️

[@lynnsteiner1580]

Beautiful!

[@paulaurias6151]

Thanks for the tutorial! Is great 🙂

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@susanfoster673]

Carrie thanks for the video it makes me want to dye some fabric. I have done tea dying and really like that ready to try some color. Again thanks

[@gemini6612]

your method was mentioned in a cross stitch group. Looks so easy and love these results. as too cold here will have to sun drying my try in a sunny window. nervous about not rinsing out though. great video....you should have a FB page ....would get lots of likes/subs there too :)

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you very much! If you are more comfortable rinsing your fabric, by all means, go ahead and do it that way. When you take the fabric out of the mason jar, just run it through the rinsing process and then hang it to dry. Hope that helps!

[@gemini6612]

@@curiouscarriedesigns TY......hoping to try this out in the next couple of days :)

[@rizladha7170]

Thank you for your video. It makes the dyeing process so simple. Do you wash the fabric after stiching on it? Will the colour run?

[@noemisanchez5602]

Great video! You’ve inspired me to give this a try. Any suggestions on the best place to buy your fabric? Do you buy it by the bolt or by the yard?

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you for the comment, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video. When it comes to fabric, I get a lot of Aida from stores like Walmart or Michael's. I also order fabric from 123stitch. I hope that helps.

[@tammycoyle8512]

I have been wanting to dye fabrics and have been watching a bunch of videos. Yours seems the easiest and love your results. Especially the one you did and used for the window finishing. Beautiful. One question - I noticed you don't rinse the fabric before drying on the line. Other videos show that you should rinse so the dye doesn't bleed when stitching. What have you been experiencing? Any issues since you don't rinse? Thank you so much for the tutorial and now I'm hooked on your floss tube.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, Tammy! I haven't had any issues with not rinsing fabric that I have dried outside. (I did run them under water, when I prepped them for the 2nd round of color and the water ran clear the entire time.) I'm going to try and do another tutorial with baking the fabrics in the oven...hopefully I can get to that, once back to school stuff calms down.

[@tammycoyle8512]

@@curiouscarriedesigns Yes, I was so surprised that it didn't need rinsing. So happy with the results. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your designs. I LOVE how you use sticks for finishes. Thanks for the reply!

[@villagecookingstyle8136]

Hi Nice to see you ,i am from cambodia

[@kathleenawilson7085]

Do you rinse your fabric after dying? Does the dye rub off onto your floss? I hand dyed a piece of Monaco and then Aida, rinsed them for a couple of hours on and off (froze my fingertips), and dried them in the oven on 180-200 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. I still had dye rub off onto my white (B5200/Blanc) DMC floss. I was doing something for Halloween and ended up with light, peachy colored ghosts instead of white. I had dyed the fabric with RIT Tangerine.

[@murphzmom]

Love this tutorial, so easy. What size piece of fabric do you recommend using to fill the jar.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you! For the size of fabric, it depends on what type of fabric you are using. Monaco and Aida are a bit bulkier/heftier fabrics, so you won't be able to put as much in the jar; whereas, Lugana is a thinner fabric, so you can fit more of it in the jar. For Monaco or Aida, I wouldn't go much bigger than a 20 inch x 30 inch piece. (I tend to keep my Monaco around 20 inches x 24 inches.) As for Lugana, I have gone as large as a 17 inch x 34 inch piece of fabric and it work just fine. I hope that helps!

[@beverleygardam151]

Why don’t you rinse your fabric after dying in the jars ? Hanging in the sun does that make them lightfast ?

[@Sharkie2004]

Just to Clarify - You don't rinse the fabric after dying it?

[@christinedickover7786]

I noticed you did not rinse your pieces of fabric after dying… di you have problems with dye transfer as you stitch??

[@kristidennis2779]

Question: If I dyed a14 count would it shrink down to like a 16 count Aida? I so want to try this.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Hi Kristi, yes, it will shrink down during the dying process. I haven't measured exactly how much, but 14 count shrinking down to 16 count sounds about right. Hope that helps.

[@kristidennis2779]

@@curiouscarriedesigns Thank you for answering my question. Really appreciate the quick response.😃

[@HeavenHeart]

Hey. Why not put toner in the jar first. Then after that you put the fabric in there.

[@ruthannlitterick2013]

PLEASE remember to ALWAYS wear a filter/mask when handling dry dyes. ☮️

[@bubbles9109]

This tutorial is amazing! Just curious where you get your large pieces of monaco

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! I was able to grab a bolt of Monaco from JoAnn's, before it stopped being offered.

[@bubbles9109]

@@curiouscarriedesigns gotcha. I've been looking everywhere for large pieces for a few projects I have going I was hoping you had a secret in your pocket lol

[@gemini6612]

I wonder if method would work with tea bags......if you try it please share a video

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

That's good idea, I will have to try it and see how it turns out.

[@brittanystricklin8449]

This is exactly the effect I want to achieve, and I'm so happy to see how it's done! I have a bolt of Aida on its way and dyes waiting, so I just need to buy jars! I may have missed it, but which size are the ones you used? They look perfect.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

Glad you found the tutorial helpful. I used quart jars in the video.

[@brittanystricklin8449]

@@curiouscarriedesigns thank you so much! I will give this a try tomorrow. 🙂

[@kandaykerr3653]

This is so great! Do you know if Aida will work for this? I dyed a piece of Aida green but I let it set too long or didn't rinse all the seizing out b/c it was very stiff when it dried. One more question, do you know what I could use to get a "silver" looking fabric? I want to make snow flake ornaments. Thanks for sharing.

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

I have used this method for dying Aida and the Aida takes the color quite well...as for getting a silver color, I'm afraid the closest I've come to silver, would be a light gray. I use Pearl gray RIT dye. You might be able to find a color recipe for silver on the RIT webpage.

[@kandaykerr3653]

Thank you so very much. I'll be trying this weekend.

[@rw8869]

So at no time do you bake in oven?

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

For this set, I did not bake the fabric in the oven. I used the heat from drying in the sun to help set the dye. When I oven bake my fabric, I set the oven to 180 degrees F and time it in 15 to 20 minute intervals for about an hour or two...just depends how quickly the fabric is drying.

[@rw8869]

Anyone ever used tea/coffee dying using this method

[@curiouscarriedesigns]

I have not tried the method with coffee/tea dyeing yet, but I think it would work fairly well. You may have to leave the fabric in the jar with the coffee and/or tea mixture a bit longer, depending on the color saturation you are looking for... I would also baked the fabric in the oven to help set the coffee dye and to get some extra spots of darker coloring. I bake my coffee dyed fabric in a 180 degree F oven and time it in intervals of 20 minutes, for about an hour or two...depends on how much mottling I want and how dark I want the mottled sections to come out.