I made a slipcover for our couch from canvas dropcloths last winter - and they are great. Only thing is, I hadn't accounted for the paw marks, dirt, and hair that our two hounds leave on the undyed cotton. I'm thinking of dyeing it a darker color. Has anyone done this and if so, what were the results like? Was it a total pain?
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I think I'm going to have to vat dye the slipcovers because they're so big (and because my boyfriend has an understandable objection to putting dye in the washing machine - rooted mainly in horrible laundry mishaps).
Thanks for the tips about making sure it's colorfast. I don't care about the couch underneath, but I DO care about my clothes!
When I used Ritt dye, it was only for a couple of cotton knit summer dresses. I opted to do the dye right in the washing machine. I found out that the lint drainer I had on my model of washing machine, a white plastic one, became stained from the dye. It came out eventually though.
If I were to dye something again, I would opt to use my old laundry sink basin. (or a bucket if it was a small thing) It is important to clean up spills or splashes quickly, and do wear rubber gloves. I'm not sure I would have the courage to do something large like a slipcover. I might try finding out if I could have it done at a drycleaners, or something.
Lastly, make absolute sure that the dye is colorfast before putting it on your furniture. Sometimes the colour rubs off. I remember a similar incident happened with my husband's dark jeans and what used to be very light coloured fabric car seats in a new car he once had.
I hope you get more replies to your question. Good luck with whatever you decide.