RIT dyed clothespins

An easy summer project to do by yourself or with the kids is to dye wood clothespins with RIT.  Over the years, I've amassed quite a few in different colors.  They're so easy, and fun and functional!

 

Wood clothespins are getting harder to find, now that everything is going plastic.  I've seen new packages at TJMaxx, but I have better luck finding them at estate sales and church sales.  Not many people take the time to dry their clothes on the line anymore, so often they can be had for pretty cheap! We started carrying them at the store, in our "In the Rough" area.

 

To get started, you'll need a plastic bucket (I use an ice cream bucket), a package of RIT dye in your desired color (powder or liquid), about 2 dozen wood clothespins, brown kraft grocery bag, paint stirrer or metal spoon. RIT can be found at Walmart, local grocery stores, and craft stores.  My local Joann's just got redone, and they had a huge selection!

 

 

This dye can stain, so be careful where you're mixing it up!  Fill plastic bucket 1/2 to 2/3 full of hot water from tap and dissolve package of RIT into it, stirring to dissolve granules.  Place clothespins in, pushing them down.  You'll need to stir them every so often to equalize the color.  I just leave the bucket out in the grass for several hours & stir as I'm going about my day.  When the color gets to your desired shade, drain water and dry clothespins on a  brown kraft grocery bag (cut open).  Dried in the sun, the color just bakes into the wood.

 

I most recently used Scarlet Red, Evening Blue and Yellow:

 

 

 

For function, I use them on all my snack bags, baking items, etc.  Call me weird, but I don't like the feel of metal or plastic clips.  I know I'm not the only weirdo out there that's finicky...my sister-in-law gave me all her wood-handled kitchen utensils; she only likes plastic!  My kids would say these are a "First World Pain"!  They are so right...

 

 

For fun, they can be used to make quick and easy bunting for a party.  Grab some ribbon, some rope or twine, some paper, quilt squares, bandanas etc.  The clothespins keep each piece perfectly in place!

 

 

 

They are form and function when clipped to a crib or bedspring.  Photos, postcards, to-do lists...your memo board will look great!

 

 

I like to store mine in vintage canning jars, of course!

 

 

RIT-dyed clothespins...a great summer project!  (Maybe you could get your kids to help organize the pantry with them :)

 

Comments

[Lis]

Just love these! Brilliant idea. Like you, I also prefer wood to plastic. I have also been given loads of old wood handled kitchen utensils! Have you ever done any larger wood projects using Rite Dyes?? I am in the process of wooding in ( w/pallet boards) an old sofa frame I saved and want to use Rite Dye on it. I know because the wood is soft and grainy that it will not look anything like your pretty cloths pins but I still think it could be cool. Any suggestions???
Thanks for sharing

[Lora Bloomquist]

The only larger item I have used is a vintage wood camping stool. I submerged the whole frame in the dye in a big, plastic sink (that is now navy blue). I then sewed a new ticking fabric seat for it. Good luck with your project!

[Sarah A]

Hi! Love your tutorial! Question, will the dye come off on clothes? Want to dye some pink for a "don't say baby" game at a shower this weekend- but I don't want to be responsible for messing up anyone's clothes!! Lol thanks!!

[Cheryl Jarl]

Sarah-
We've never had that problem, so think you should be ok as long as they dry really well. You could always spray them with a coat of spray poly, or even glue 2 pieces of a cute cutout paper to each side of the pressure point where it would touch their clothes. Good luck with your baby shower!

[Sarah A]

Awesome!! :) thanks again!