How to Dye Cushion Covers

Before getting rid of your old cushions and purchase new ones, consider the choice of dyeing the cushion covers at home. Whether they have become stained, dated or don’t match your decor any more, a cheap box of fabric dye will alter old cushion covers into something such as new. This do-it-yourself project will be most successful if your cushion covers are produced from a natural fiber like wool, cotton, linen or silk, and when their current color is lighter than the colour you would like to dye them.

Remove the covers from the cushions. If your cushion covers aren’t designed to be removed, carefully unpick one of the side seams with embroidery scissors or a seam ripper, just enough to take out the cushion kind or stuffing from the inside. Be ready to sew this seam back together by hand once you’ve dyed the covers — if you don’t have basic sewing skills, recruit a crafty friend or family member to assist.

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan or kettle. Put on your rubber gloves and apron.

Transfer the boiling water into your bucket or basin and sprinkle or squeeze in the water the amount of dye recommended for the approximate quantity of fabric you will be working with. Stir the mix with an old wooden spoon (one which will no more be utilized for food) until dye is fully dissolved into the water.

Add more warm water into the bucket or basin till you have enough water to fully submerge your cushion covers. You don’t have to boil the extra water, but allow the faucet run until it’s hot.

Place the cushion covers into the dye bath and submerge them with the wooden spoon until the cloth is fully saturated. Allow the cushion covers soak for approximately five minutes.

Add 1 cup of salt into the solution if your cushion covers are made from cotton, linen or rayon. If your cushion covers are silk, cotton or wool, add 1 cup of white vinegar instead. Stir the mix with the wooden spoon. The vinegar and salt assist the dye penetrate the cloth’s fibers.

Soak the cushion covers from the dye solution for around an hour, based on the thickness of color you would like. Every five minutes or so, agitate the cloth by wrap it around from the process with the spoon. Periodically lift one of the covers partially from the bathroom to examine its new color. Keep in mind that when the fabric is dry, the color will be lighter than it appears when moist.

Eliminate the cushion covers from the dye bath when the color is to your liking. Gently squeeze the excess dye alternative out. Rinse the cloth under warm water at first, then under cold water until the water runs clear. Squeeze the excess water from the cushion covers and dry them on a clothesline or at your dryer.

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