How to Dye Before a Hat is Made

• 1). Fill the metal sink or bowl with warm water. Dissolve the 500 g packet of salt into the warm water.
  
  
• 2). Pour your packet of dye into the water, mixing it with a stick. Wear plastic or rubber gloves the entire time you handle the dye to prevent dying your hands.
  
  
• 3). Immerse the straw braids into the dye water. Use the stick to ensure all the straw is underwater.
  
  
• 4). Leave the straw in the dye water until you achieve the color you want. Use the stick to periodically raise a portion of the straw to check on the color. Start checking about five minutes after immersion.
  
  
• 5). Drain the dye water and rinse the straw with cold water to remove excess dye. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
  
  
• 6). Squeeze the straw to remove any excess water and allow the straw to sit in the empty sink or bowl for several hours.
  
  
• 7). Hang up the straw to dry it completely. It can be hung outdoors in good weather and indoors when the weather is cold or wet. Drying time varies depending on the temperature and humidity in your area. Place newspapers or an old towel under the straw to catch any drips.
  
  

How to Dye After a Hat is Made

• 1). Mix the dye as instructed on the package. This typically involves mixing it with warm water and salt in a metal bowl.
  
  
• 2). Remove any fabric band on the hat to prevent it being dyed by accident. Place the hat on old newspapers or an old towel to keep your working surface clean. Dip the paint brush or sponge into the dye. The size of the paint brush or type of sponge depends on the effect you want. A wider brush is appropriate for a uniform application or wide stripes; a narrow brush for intricate designs. A porous sponge can create a different look than a smooth sponge. Always wear plastic or rubber gloves when dealing with the dye to prevent staining your hands.
  
  
• 3). Apply the dye to the hat. With this application method, you can use more than one color on the same hat and create a design if desired. If you use more than one color, use different brushes or sponges for each. If you cannot use different brushes or sponges, clean each with turpentine and allow it to dry before using a new color.
  
  
• 4). Allow the hat to dry thoroughly in the sun after the application of the dye. You can either hang it to dry on a clothesline or lay it in the sun on newspapers or an old towel.