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May 21, 2025
Carhartt x Rit Dye Instructions
Ready to start creating one-of-a-kind gear using our new Carhartt x Rit dye kit but don’t know where to start? Alma from Pink Soul Studios has you covered. We stopped by her shop outside Chicago where she showed us how to perform the Rit ice dyeing process step by step using the test square from the kit. Check out the guide below to get your footing, and then use your imagination to explore new possibilities using your own 100% cotton gear or new styles from the Carhartt Undyed Collection.
What you’ll need:
Carhartt x Rit Dye Kit
- 3 Rit dye powder boxes
- 100% cotton “Test Square”
- Undyed cotton pouch
Additional Supplies:
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic container or steel sink
- Wire rack
- Ice
- Plastic wrap
PRECAUTIONS:
Dye will stain almost anything. Please wear gloves and use a plastic container or steel sink to avoid staining and be sure to wash fully before washing with other garments.
Dye contains salt which may irritate eyes or skin.
1. Prewash
Prewash fabric in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
2. Rinse
Wring out excess water and leave the fabric damp. Items fresh from the washing machine are perfectly prepared for dye.
3. Place
Place scrunched fabric on a wire rack over a container or placed in the bottom of a clean steel sink. The wire rack prevents dye from puddling underneath.
4. Ice
Cover scrunched fabric entirely with ice.
5. Sprinkle
Sprinkle powder dye directly onto the ice one color at a time. A little Rit dye goes a long way, so use it sparingly. Then, leave the fabric undisturbed, allowing ice to melt completely.
6. Absorb, Dry, & Rinse
Allow the fabric to sit and absorb the dye for 30 minutes before enclosing it in plastic wrap and placing it in the sun for three hours. Heat opens up the fibers in the fabric to allow for maximum dye absorption. Remove fabric from plastic wrap and rinse thoroughly in cool water until rinse water runs clear. This is a very important step to prevent bleeding. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
If a wire rack is unavailable, a makeshift rack can be created from scrunched-up tinfoil.
An optional additional step is using the Rit Dye Fixative to reduce color loss from regular laundering. Rit Dye Fixative can be found anywhere Rit Dye is sold.
Always launder dyed fabric items separately with cold water.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different color combinations, types of ice, and natural-fiber garments.
