How to Dye Athletic Socks
Athletic socks give feet the most comfort and cushion. They also provide excellent protection from wetness and odor. Most athletic socks on the market are plain white cotton, which does not always match an outfit. It is easy to dye athletic socks any color, giving them a fresh, vibrant look.
What You'll Need:
- White athletic socks
- Powder fabric dye
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Wooden spoon
- Fill the bucket halfway with 3 gallons of hot water. Wear the rubber gloves to keep from burning your hands. Choose any color of fabric dye, and add the entire package to the water. Stir the water with the wooden spoon until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Pre-soak the white socks in water. This helps them better absorb the dye. Gently place the socks into the bucket. Make sure that they are completely covered by the dye bath. Vigorously stir the socks in the dye for at least 10 minutes. For a darker shade, allow the socks to soak longer. Multiple pairs of socks may be dyed at one time, but be sure to add an additional 10 minutes for each pair. For a multi-colored effect, repeat the process in another shade of dye, overlapping the colors where desired.
- Take the socks out of the bucket, and thoroughly rinse them under a running faucet. Turn the water on warm, and continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Shock the socks with a blast of cold water to lock in the dye.
- Dry the socks on a clothesline. Depending on the thickness of the cotton, this may take a few hours. For quicker results, tumble dry the socks on low. Wash the socks with like-colored clothes to prevent the dye from running onto other fabrics.