Name: Kristi
Message: Hi, I am wanting to dye my slipcover a rust color to match a new chair. The slipcover is for a sofa and is a beige on beige color with little rose designs. It is 55% cotton and 45% polyester. I have never dyed anything before and didn't think it could be that bad, but it is sounding more complicated as I am researching! I am not sure what kind of dye to use or how to do it! If you could please let me know I would really appreciate it!!

The 45% polyester portion of the fabric will not dye, but the cotton portion can be dyed in the washing machine with fiber reactive dye. The result would probably be a pastel or heathered effect, depending on how much dye you use.

See ProChem's instructions for more information on how to dye in the washing machine. Buy the dye by mail-order, and buy the soda ash at the hardware store (sodium carbonate is sold as a pH Increaser for swimming pools).

Beware of shrinkage, though, which would ruin the slipcovers.