How to: Dye a Muslin Backdrop
- Tie Dye Effect
Materials needed to dye your own Muslin Backdrop
1.White Muslin or Natural colored Muslin Fabric, at least 108" x 108" (the wider the better). The size fabric you choose will determine finished Muslin.
2. Dye (RIT, Dylon, etc)
3. Salt
4. Pot to boil water
5. String or twine to tie up fabric
6. Plastic bin(s) (18 Gallon works well) Use extra bins if you want multiple colors.
Optional Items:
1. Scale (optional)
2. Rubber Gloves
Step #1 - Wash your Muslin
Wash your Muslin fabric by hand. I used the 18 gallon bin that I planned on using for the dye process. You can also use your bathtub, a small children's pool, or basically anything that you can add a small amount of detergent and water in, while still being able to swirl the fabric.
Step #2 - Dye/Weight of Muslin
Before purchasing your dye, it is important to weigh, or estimate the weight of your muslin (this will determine how much dye to purchase). RIT has instructions and tips on their website (ritdye.com). There are also directions located on the box of dye. For the best results follow these instructions as closely as possible.
Step #3 - Stringing up the Fabric to create tie dye effect
Twist and bunch up your fabric until you have it in ball form. Then wrap the string around your Muslin a few times. Do not tie the Muslin up too tight or you will get the result I saw the first time I made a backdrop. Big white blotches in the middle where the fabric was too tight to allow dispersion of dye. If you tie it firm but not too tight, you will see a tie dye effect take place.
Note: if you are using multiple colors, use the lightest color first, and then move to the darkest color.
Step #4 - Dye Bath
When you are using multiple colors make sure that all dye baths are ready before starting the dyeing process. Wear rubber gloves before handling dye (unless you or your significant other enjoys blue/black/green etc. colored hands). RIT suggests that you should use their dye in about 140ºF water. The hotter the better, it will deepen the color. Take precaution when you are handling the water please. Handling water over 106ºF will cause burns when spilled or splashed on skin. Using a wooden dowel or stick, or PVC pipe or metal stake will work well as a stirring utensil in your dye-bath. I recommend stirring between 20 and 30 minutes.
Step #5 - Rinse and Enjoy!
Remove your brand new tie dye Muslin from your dye bath. Rinse in warm then cooler water until there is no dye present in the water. Cut the string holding your Muslin in a ball. Carefully use a scissors to avoid cutting your Muslin. Wash your Muslin in warm water with mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. Squeeze out extra water. Your Muslin is ready to be machine dried or you can hang it to dry.