by Diane Reiter

Created on: September 17, 2009   Last Updated: September 19, 2009

Buttons are used for all types of craft and sewing projects but buttons can be expensive. Many resources sell them in bulk, but often times these assortments only contain white buttons in various shapes and sizes or plain unfinished wooden ones. What many people don't realize is that buttons can actually be dyed at home in a rainbow of colors to coordinate with nearly any project.

You will need:

White plastic or unfinished wooden buttons

Boiling water

RIT Powder Dye

Ceramic coffee mugs or small glass custard cups

Paper towels

Paper plates/old dinner plates.

Spoon

Colander/drainer

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. You will need one coffee cup or bowl per desired color of button (one cup for red, one for blue, etc.). Carefully pour one cup of boiling water into the coffee cup and add 1/8 teaspoon of powdered RIT dye to the water, stirring until completely dissolved. Undissolved dye granules lead to spotty buttons. Adding more or less powder will result in a darker or lighter button.

Carefully add the desired amount of buttons to the cup and stir gently making sure the dye solution doesn't splash on your work surface or clothing. While buttons are dyeing, line a plate with a few paper towels.

Check the color intensity of your buttons by removing a few with a spoon. If buttons appear to be too light, they may be left in dye solution longer. Once desired color is achieved, carefully remove buttons with a spoon and transfer to a colander for rinsing. Rinse buttons briefly in cold water, then place them on the paper-lined plate to dry. Once dry, your buttons are ready to use!

Remember to wear old clothing in case dye splashes or drips. Dye that has stained work surfaces can usually be removed using an abrasive cleaner such as Comet or Ajax (be sure to test a small area of your surface before using). Some buttons are more porous and will take the dye more readily. Test a button or two first to see how well it absorbs dye. Store any unused powder dye in a sealed bag or container and make certain it is labeled.

Dyeing buttons is simple and once you get used to the process you may have fun mixing your own custom colors. Home dyeing is fun and can be the answer to finding the perfect button for your next project.

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