How do I dye my red curtains brown?

What are they made of? Polyester won't dye

First, to make sure that there is no polyester blend, that the curtains are of only natural fibers. Polyester does not take to dyeing at all. Second, beware of cotton blend, that cotton shrinks. Dyeing require a long soak in boiling hot water (scalding). Then the Rit package states about metal compounds. What for, I don't know.

Then fill a large container to box specification of boiling hot water. Drop in contents of dye powder or liquid into water. Sometimes the mix will splatter when pouring in, so make sure.that you are away from walls and have a large liner under the container.

How to dye polyester? Well, I found an answer, but it's not an answer you will like. Yes, it's possible, but requires chemical, not heat.

dyeing polyester

Do you have a friend who is a seamstress? My mom made curtains for my kids bedrooms made out of bed sheets! She lined them, some of them are tab top where she used a pink polka dot fabric for the tabs and tie backs with white sheets, my son's are a dark blue (I'm not sure what style it would be called, but the rod goes through a "sleeve" in the top). They look really nice and several of my friends have commented on where I got them (because I'm notorious for a good deal!). My mom isn't a great seamstress, but regular curtains are all pretty much straight lines anyway. But she used cotton duck fabric for the lining and twin/full sheets for the curtains.
Just a thought if you are really on a budget!

As PP says, you can dye polyester, but not with Rit. You need a dye specifically for polyester. Yes, there are chemicals, but Rit has chemicals too - unless you are planning to use coffee, Tea, or vegetable dye, they all will.

 

Here is a link with specific info, but this is not the only polyester option:  http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/dispersedye.shtml

I would look for those fire sales at Bed Bath & Beyond or other places for curtains. I outfitted my entire house with discounted curtains from Linens & Things (for under $200!) course, they are out of business now here in Cali ....