Loose Covers

[trish1234567]

I have a three-piece suite second set of loose covers which have been stored in their original thick plastic bags and the colours have now become badly discoloured. They are a traditional floral design with a pale green background. Mostly, the pale green colour is as original, but there has been a change in many places where the pale green has changed to a horrible yellow. From searching the internet, I find that the cost to have a set of new covers made, or even to have them re-dyed, is so ridiculous that I would sooner buy brand new furniture. However, I thought I'd first have a go at cold-dyeing. It would have to be cold-dyeing because of shrinkage. ABers are always so helpful and I wonder is anyone has tried similar or have any tips. I'd be really grateful. Many thanks.

[theonlyone]

I worked in the drycleaning trade , and used to send items to the dye house in London , these were hot dyed which makes them colour fast . If you cold water dye them at home you will could end up with different shades as they all need to go in a huge washer with salt to set the dye . There is a company which makes covers and advertise in the daily papers , or maybe time to change the suite as it is New Year !!.

[annie0000]

I have never tried it, but my bet would be that you could do it in the bath so that you did them all together - I don't think that the dye costs that much, so all you would really be wasting is elbow grease. If it doesn't work, you will really just be back where you started. I would give it a go.

[trish1234567]

Thanks for all your help.

I will try Annie's suggestion first, but I wonder that considering the whole suite consists of 13 different pieces, i.e. 1 couch cover, 2 chair covers, 5 back cushions, 5 seat cushions, then perhaps I could do them in the washing machine say in 5 washes using the same amount of cold dye each time as the machine will produce the same amount of water each time.

If all that fails, I will take onlyone's advice and go for a new suite. Happy New Year to you both. Regards Trish.

[trish1234567]

On reflection Annie, I think you're right and it would have to be the bath! Trish.