If your anxiety stuffed animal's fur is looking a little lackluster, you can easily give it a makeover with some fabric dye. This project is perfect for anyone who loves DIY projects and wants to add a personal touch to their anxiety stuffed animal.
Did you know you can dye stuff animals to make them seem younger? To achieve this, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Do you have an anxiety stuffed animal that's seen better days? Here's how to dye its fur so it looks brand new again!Click To TweetWhat is an anxiety stuffed animal?
An anxiety stuffed animal is a furry friend that helps to soothe anxiety and provide comfort. These cuddly companions are often used in therapy sessions or by people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Many people find that hugging a stuffed animal can help to calm them down in times of stress.
These stuffed toys are often weighted, so they provide a calming sensation when hugged. They may also have a soft, soothing scent. Some anxiety stuffed animals come with removable covers that can be washed.
Why would you want to dye an anxiety stuffed animal's fur?
There are many reasons why you might want to change the color of your stuffed animal's fur.
Maybe you want to match the animal to your favorite outfit or home decor. Or, you might simply be bored with the current color and want a change. It could be an old stuffed animal that you're hoping to spruce up, or a new one that you want to make your own.
Whatever your reason, dying your stuffed animal's fur is a fun and easy project that anyone can do.
Which kind of dye should I use to dye my weighted anxiety stuffed animal?
Rit fabric dyes are a good choice for this project because they come in a wide range of colors and are simple to use. You can find Rit dyes at most craft stores or online.
It's a good idea to choose their powdered dyes over the liquid dyes, as they will give you a more even color.
When choosing a color, keep in mind that dark colors will absorb more heat than light colors. This means that your anxiety stuffed animal will be warmer to the touch if you use a dark dye.
If you want to avoid using chemical dyes, you can also try natural dyes like beet juice or turmeric. However, these may be more difficult to work with and may not produce as consistent results.
First choice to dye faux fur: The stove top method
This method is best for small anxiety stuffed animals or those with very thick fur that are not polyester.
You'll need:
- stuffed animal
- Rit dye in your chosen color
- large pot
- stove
- tongs
- scissors
- old newspapers or a drop cloth
- rubber gloves (optional)
- one teaspoon dish detergent
- one cup vinegar (for silk, wool, or nylon only)
- one cup salt (for cotton, rayon, linen, or ramie only)
Instructions:
1. Cover your work surface with old newspapers or a drop cloth.
2. Fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge your anxiety stuffed animal. Add the Rit dye and stir until it is dissolved.
3. If your stuffed animals fur is silk, wool, or nylon, add one cup of vinegar to the dye bath. If your stuffed animals fur is linen, cotton, rayon, or ramie, add one cup of salt.
4. Add one teaspoon of dish detergent. This will help the dye to adhere to the fur more evenly.
5. Place your anxiety stuffed animal in the pot and stir occasionally.
6. Let the animal simmer for 30 minutes or until the desired color is achieved.
7. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
8. Gently squeeze out excess water and let the anxiety stuffed animal air dry.
9. Once it is dry, you can fluff the fur and style it however you like!
The washing machine dye method
This method is best for stuffed animals you want to dye quickly.
You'll need:
- stuffed animal
- Rit dye in your chosen color
- washing machine
- rubber gloves (optional)
- one teaspoon of dish detergent
- one cup vinegar (for silk, wool, or nylon only)
- one cup salt (for cotton, rayon, linen, or ramie only)
Instructions:
1. Pre-wash your anxiety stuffed animal in the washing machine using the hottest water setting. This will help the dye to adhere to the fur more evenly.
2. If your anxiety stuffed animal's fur is silk, wool, or nylon, add one cup of vinegar to the dye bath. If your anxiety stuffed animal's fur is linen, cotton, rayon, or ramie, dissolve one cup of salt in 4 cups of hot water.
3. Add one teaspoon of dish detergent to the dye bath.
4. Add your anxiety stuffed animal to the washing machine. The wash setting should be at least 30 minutes with very hot water.
5. Start the cycle and let it run its course but remove the detergent tray. Pour the dye bath into the dispenser and then flush water hot water.
6. Let the stuffed animal wash cycle finish.
7. Once it is done, rewash the anxiety stuffed animal with a warm water setting with detergent to remove any excess dye.
8. Let the stuffed animal air dry completely before taking it back to bed.
Another option: Paint instead of using dye
If you don't want to use dye or don't have any Rit dye on hand, you can also try painting your anxiety stuffed animal's fur. This method is best for small stuffed animals that have synthetic fur. The end result might be a little scratchy, but it will still give it a fresh new look.
Final Thoughts
Dyeing your anxiety stuffed animal's fur is a great way to give it a fresh new look. It's also a fun project to do with kids! Just make sure to use gloves and old newspapers or a drop cloth to protect your surfaces.
And remember, always test a small hidden area of the stuffed animal first to ensure you're happy with the color before dyeing the entire thing.
I’ve always been a little wary of using dyes like this (I thought I would make a mess). But after reading this, I realize it’s not just for rocket scientists. LOL, Thanks!
Just be sure to follow the dye’s instructions too, and you should be good to go!