Easy iDyed Overdyed Jeans

Colored Jeans seem to be the new IN thing again for fall and it is much easier then ever before to spruce up an old faded pair and save yourself some bucks while looking hip.

Shopping list:

• Old faded jeans, light to medium blue is best, or pale grey, and of course, white!
• iDye for natural fabrics in your favorite shade
• Plain salt or Dyer's Salt
• iDye Fixative (optional but recommended)
• Dharma Dyers Detergent

Let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare Your Jeans

For best results pre-wash your jeans with Dharma Dyers Detergent to remove any sizing, fabric softeners, finishes, grease and oils, etc. Leave jeans damp.

Step 2: Fill Washing Machine

Fill your washing machine with JUST enough HOT water for the fabric to move freely. Important not to use too much water, but also for the fabric to move freely.

Step 3: Dissolve the iDye

Add the iDye soluble packet and agitate for 30 seconds to dissolve it. The water in a washing machine won't be as hot as on the stove top, so make absolutely sure the packet and dye are COMPLETELY dissolved before adding any clothing or fabric.

Step 4: Add Salt

Add one cup (237 ml.) of salt

Step 5: Start the Dyeing Process

Add your jeans and start the cycle.

Step 6: Extend Dyeing Time

Extend the dyeing time by resetting the wash cycle before the rinse cycle begins.

The longer the dyeing time, the darker the color and better the fixation. Unless you want a really light color, we suggest a minimum of 30 minutes agitation.

Pro-Tip: If you have a front loading washing machine, add everything in at the beginning of the cycle, snip open the dye packet and pour the powder into the machine. This way you don't end up with splotches on the fabric.

Step 7: Final Washing and Fixative

Once they are done agitating, run the jeans through a rinse cycle and then wash the garment(s) in a regular cycle with HOT water and Dharma Dyers Detergent. If you are going to use the iDye fixative for extra wash-fastness you will need to run them through one more warm wash cycle with the fixative. In the last rinse cycle use your regular fabric softener, to get them feeling like your well worn jeans again, and dry as normal.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Jeans!

Wear your "new" jeans with pride and confidence! Too cool for school!