Thrift Store Shirt Update with Fabric Dye

Giving a thrift store shirt an update with fabric dye.

If you were happy with the wrong one, just think how happy you will be when the riht one comes along. – Unknown

THRIFT STORE SHIRT SAGA

The lies I tell myself…..

Have you ever fallen in love with the wrong one?  

You knew it wasn’t right, but you decided to go with it anyway?

Whether it’s a home décor item…… that I thought was pretty but just didn’t gel with the other items or, in this case, a shirt that was not my color, it wasn’t a match made in heaven.

See, this girl is capital W…White.  

Anywhoooo…I know light colors are just not for me.  And yet, I buy a light-colored shirt???????

It will be fine, I say.

I can wear other things with it to make it better.

LIES!!!!

So, could it be dyed?

I looked at the label and it was 63% Cotton and 37% Polyester.  Since the dye is best in over 60% cotton blends, it would be good to try it.

SALVAGE TIP – Always read package directions, fabric requirements, and the item label, before processing your garment.

There are several options, on the package, to process the item.  I choose the bucket type method.

THRIFT STORE SHIRT UPDATE WITH DYE

SUPPLIES

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• Large Bowl  (Choose one that can’t get stained or you don’t care about.)
• 1 Package of Rit Dye
• 3 Gallons of Water
• 1 Cup of Salt
• Stir Stick or Spoon
• Rubber Gloves

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-wash fabric.
2. Fill a bucket with 3 gallons of hot water.
3. Add salt and stir to combine.
4. Dissolve dye in 2 cups of hot water.  Add to bucket water and stir to mix.
5. Wet fabric in hot water before adding to the dye bath.
6. Constantly stir for 10-30 minutes or until the desired color is achieved.
7. Rinse in warm water, then gradually cooler water, until water runs clear.
8. Wash in warm water with mild detergent.
9. Dry item in the dryer or on a line.

Now, this is a much better color for me but where am I staring off to?

FABRIC DYE PRO’S

• If you find an item at a thrift store, look to see if you can dye it.
• Have something in your closet that really doesn’t work?  Dye it.
• Fabric dye may be able to fix an item that was unintentionally stained.
• Branch out and see what else you can dye…napkins, tablecloths, etc. 

Check out these make the most with what you got posts…….

• Painting Thrift Store Rain Boots to Use in Home Decor
• DIY Upcycled Denim Necklace
• Thrifted DIY Wood Bead Garland

Thanks for stopping by today.  Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life.  If you enjoyed this thrift store shirt update, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.