# Need Help Coloring Fabric- Before Halloween **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 25, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693 "2016-10-25T16:48:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/1 "2016-10-25T16:48:52Z")
I have two bed sheets. The pattern looked jester-y to me. So I decided to dye the black and white fabric green to match a very fine black and green jester cap I was given years ago. The first time, the fabric didn’t dye at all. I asked advice and was told I probably had not used hot enough water. The second time, the fabric took the dye but didn’t really hold it. About 90 % of the dye (Rit brand Emerald) washed out. I tried using a Sharpie permanent marker. It works, but is time consuming and fume intensive. Should I go to the craft store and get fabric markers? Or fabric spraypaint? I appreciate any advice you can give. ETA according to the tag I just found the fabric is 50% cotton, 50% polyester ---
**Author:** ![BeeGee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@BeeGee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeeGee)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2016, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/2 "2016-10-25T17:57:43Z")
See if Rit’s DyeMore is available in your area. It’s the polyester that’s rejecting your regular dye. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2016, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/3 "2016-10-25T18:00:11Z")
Well, there’s your problem. Regular Rit won’t do well with polyester. But I googled and found they make a product that _does_: [https://www.ritstudio.com/2015/04/15/announcing-rit-dyemore-rits-new-polyester-dye/](https://www.ritstudio.com/2015/04/15/announcing-rit-dyemore-rits-new-polyester-dye/) Hopefully you can find it in your area. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2016, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/4 "2016-10-26T01:32:41Z")
I was going to ask what the fiber was - RIT works best on things like cotton and wool, not so much on synthetics. You want a dye intended for polyester, or a fabric paint. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2016, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/5 "2016-10-27T03:22:06Z")
Thanks for your help. I obtained Rit Dyemore today. I thought I followed the directions, but the dye neither took nor held. Fortunately, I bought some non fuming DecoFabric green markers. These work very well. My only problem is that the company’s website recommends heat setting. I don’t own an iron. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/6 "2016-10-27T03:43:11Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I don’t own an iron. Heat up a sauce pan of water, not too hot, and you have a temporary iron. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2016, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coloring-fabric-before-halloween/769693/7 "2016-10-27T05:35:23Z")
A hair dryer set on highest heat should work as well.