Sample, then scale
Develop the colour on representative material, record the recipe and reproduce it across a larger batch with fewer pack-to-pack changes.
Professional colour control · practical 1 lb pack
Rit ProLine 1 lb: the sweet spot between a small packet and full production scale
A concentrated professional powder dye for repeat batches, multiple garments, costume work and material development. Measure what the project needs, document the recipe and keep enough of the same colour ready for the next run.
- 1 lb / approximately 454g of ProLine powder in the selected colour.
- Up to approximately 7.25 kg of dry material at Rit’s general medium-shade planning ratio.
- Direct, acid and disperse dyes provide unusually broad material compatibility.
- 15 live colour choices from core neutrals to saturated brights and neons.
1 lb / 454g selected colour
1 lb / 454gProfessional-size powder pack
Up to 16 lbApprox. 7.25 kg dry material*
3 dye typesDirect, acid and disperse
15 coloursCurrent Direct Sewing range
*Medium-shade planning guide based on Rit bulk-dye guidance. Fibre, starting colour, chosen shade, desired depth and method determine actual usage.
Professional flexibility without jumping straight to 5 lb
The 454g format is large enough to create measured repeat recipes and several dye baths, yet manageable for studios, wardrobe departments, sampling and limited production.
Use only what you need
Weigh the powder for the dry material and desired depth instead of committing the whole pack to one oversized dye bath.
Keep a repeat colour ready
Ideal when uniforms, costumes, textile panels or production pieces may need additions, repairs or replacements later.
One powder, three dye technologies
Broader reach than a conventional natural-fibre dye
Different fibres respond to different dye chemistry. ProLine’s blend is designed to work across plant fibres, protein fibres, nylon, synthetics, blends and selected creative substrates when the correct method is used.
- Direct dyes support cotton, linen, rayon, ramie and hemp
- Acid dyes support wool, silk and nylon
- Disperse components extend capability to synthetic materials
- Also listed for selected wood, paper, leather, plastic and concrete uses
Weigh the dry material, then build the colour
Rit’s bulk guidance uses approximately 1 oz of powder per 1 lb of dry material for a medium shade. The examples below translate that starting ratio into metric quantities; they are planning estimates, not a substitute for testing.
| Dry material weight | Approximate powder starting point | Plan for more dye when… |
|---|---|---|
| 454g / 1 lb | Approximately 28g / 1 oz | You want a bold, very dark or black result |
| 1 kg | Approximately 62g | The starting material is coloured or the fibre is less receptive |
| 2 kg | Approximately 125g | The item includes high-synthetic content or difficult finishes |
| 4 kg | Approximately 250g | A saturated result matters more than maximum coverage |
| 7.25 kg / 16 lb | Approximately one full 454g pack | This is the maximum medium-shade planning quantity; test before scaling |
For dependable repeats: record the dry material weight, dye amount, water volume, additives, bath temperature, agitation and immersion time. The colour name alone is not a repeatable production recipe.
Fifteen colours in the current 1 lb range
Use the colour name and SKU to confirm your choice. Digital swatches organise the range but cannot predict the exact result on a particular fibre or starting colour.
BlackUC880/4
Dark GreenUC880/11
EcruUC880/30
FuchsiaUC880/114
Lemon YellowUC880/77
Navy BlueUC880/8
Neon GreenUC880/102
Neon PinkUC880/126
Petal PinkUC880/80
ScarletUC880/23
TealUC880/159
Golden YellowUC880/19
Royal BlueUC880/2
Dark BrownUC880/35
TanUC880/97
Test the exact material. Dye is transparent rather than opaque. The original colour combines with the selected dye, and different fibres in a blend may finish at different depths.
The formula is versatile; the process still changes
| Material group | Examples | Planning guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and regenerated fibres | Cotton, linen, rayon, viscose, ramie and hemp | Pre-wash, use hot water and the Rit method for natural fibres; salt is generally the appropriate bath additive |
| Protein fibres | Wool and silk | Use gentle handling and the correct heat; Rit generally uses white vinegar rather than salt |
| Nylon | Nylon fabric, trims and selected components | Often accepts colour quickly and can become darker than other fibres; monitor a test closely |
| Polyester and synthetic-rich blends | Polyester, polyester/cotton, acrylic and acetate | Usually require sustained high heat and can need more dye or time; confirm the item can tolerate the method |
| Stretch blends | Spandex-containing textiles | High heat can affect stretch fibres, finishes and garment construction; test before treating the whole item |
| Creative substrates | Wood, wicker, paper, cork, leather, suede, some plastics and concrete | Porosity, coating and material composition vary widely; test an offcut or hidden area |
Six steps from material check to finished colour
Identify the fibre
Read the composition label and account for thread, trims, coatings, interfacings and mixed-fibre panels.
Weigh it dry
Use the dry weight to calculate a starting amount, then adjust for the selected shade and desired depth.
Pre-wash first
Remove dirt, sizing, oils and finishes in warm soapy water without fabric softener. Leave fabric evenly damp.
Dissolve the powder
Wear gloves, avoid airborne dust and dissolve the measured powder thoroughly in very hot water before it enters the bath.
Control the bath
Use enough water for free movement and follow Rit’s fibre-specific heat, additive, agitation and timing instructions.
Rinse and finish
Use ColorStay Dye Fixative where compatible, rinse until water begins to run clear, then wash with mild detergent.
Additives are fibre-specific: Rit generally recommends salt for cotton, linen, rayon and ramie, and white vinegar for wool, silk and nylon. Scale the quantity to the bath and follow the current method directions.
Choose for the project you actually have
| Comparison | Small retail Rit dye | ProLine 1 lb / 454g | ProLine 5 lb / 2.27 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | One garment, craft project or early test | Sampling, multiple garments, repeat baths and limited production | Large production, high-volume wardrobe and substantial textile runs |
| Quantity commitment | Small | Professional but manageable | Full bulk scale |
| Recipe development | Useful for first experiments | Easy to weigh, document and repeat across several batches | Best once the colour and process are established |
| Current Direct Sewing range | Varies by product | 15 colours on this listing | 24 colours on the 5 lb listing |
| Choose this when | You do not need professional quantities | You want genuine bulk economy without overbuying 5 lb | You already know the shade will be used at volume |
Starting colour matters
Dye adds colour—it does not cover like paint
White and pale materials show the selected ProLine shade most clearly. Dyeing over an existing colour creates a new combination: yellow plus blue may move towards green, while a dark base limits how bright the result can become.
Stains, sun damage and uneven fading can remain visible. Pre-wash carefully and test; consider Rit Colour Remover only when it suits the fibre and the planned colour change.
Inspect the whole item: polyester thread, zips, labels, trims, waterproofing and stain-resistant finishes may colour differently from the main fabric.
Rit ProLine 1 lb Powder Dye at a glance
| Brand | Rit |
|---|---|
| Range | ProLine |
| Form | Professional concentrated powder dye |
| Pack size | 1 lb / approximately 454g |
| Contents | One 1 lb pack in the selected colour |
| Formula | Advanced mix of direct, acid and disperse dyes |
| General medium-shade guide | Approximately 1 oz powder per 1 lb dry material; up to about 16 lb / 7.25 kg from one pack at that starting ratio |
| Suitable fibres listed by Rit | Cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyester/cotton blends, acrylic, acetate and spandex |
| Other materials listed by Rit | Some plastics, wood, wicker, paper, cork, hemp, leather, suede and concrete |
| Typical applications | Uniforms, wardrobe and theatre, cosplay, apparel making, textile sampling, limited production, carpet repair, 3D printing and material experimentation |
| Colour range on this listing | 15 choices; select one colour before adding the product |
| Colour assurance | Test a representative sample and document the process before treating the full batch |
Prepare, dye, protect—or step up to 5 lb
Measure carefully, keep dust controlled and store it dry
Protect yourself
Wear suitable gloves, avoid creating or breathing airborne powder and consider eye protection when measuring larger quantities.
Protect the workspace
Cover porous surfaces and use dye vessels and utensils that are not used for food preparation.
Protect the remaining dye
Keep the package tightly closed, upright and dry between uses, away from food, children and pets.
Read before use: Rit describes ProLine as non-toxic and septic/sewer safe when used as directed, but concentrated powder still requires controlled handling. Follow the pack label and Rit ProLine Powder Safety Data Sheet.
Rit ProLine 1 lb FAQs
What is Rit ProLine 1 lb Powder Dye?
It is Rit’s professional bulk powder dye in a manageable 454g pack. The formula combines direct, acid and disperse dyes for use across a broad range of natural fibres, synthetics, blends and selected creative materials.
How much powder is in the pack?
One selected-colour pack contains 1 lb, approximately 454g, of powdered dye.
How much material can one pack dye?
Using Rit’s medium-shade bulk guideline of approximately 1 oz powder per 1 lb dry material, one pack can cover up to about 16 lb or 7.25 kg. Dark, bold or difficult materials can require more dye.
Does the pack include every colour?
No. Choose one colour from the product options; the pack contains 454g of that selected colour.
How is the 1 lb pack different from the 5 lb pack?
The formula is ProLine in both sizes. The 1 lb pack suits sampling, repeat baths and limited production; the 5 lb pack offers better scale for an established colour used at high volume.
Is 1 lb still too much for one garment?
Often, yes. The 1 lb pack is intended for professional, repeat or larger projects. For a single small garment, compare the smaller Rit retail powder or liquid dye first.
Why should I weigh the dry material?
Dry weight provides the most dependable basis for calculating dye concentration and scaling a test recipe to the full batch.
Why do I need a test?
The exact fibre, finish, original colour, dye concentration, water, heat and time all change the result. A representative test exposes those variables before valuable material enters the bath.
Will the colour swatch match exactly?
No. Screen swatches are only selection guides. Confirm the colour name and SKU, then judge the real recipe from a washed and dried material sample.
Can ProLine dye fabric that is already coloured?
Yes, but dye is transparent. The existing colour and the added dye combine, so the finished result may differ substantially from the product colour.
Can it make dark material lighter?
No. Dye adds colour. Rit Colour Remover may reduce colour on some compatible natural fibres, but it is not reliable for every colour or synthetic material.
Can I use ProLine on cotton and linen?
Yes. Rit lists cotton and linen as compatible. Pre-wash thoroughly and follow its hot-water natural-fibre method; salt is generally used for these fibres.
Can I dye wool or silk?
Yes, Rit lists both. Use gentle handling and the fibre-specific method; white vinegar is generally the appropriate additive for wool and silk.
Can I use it on nylon?
Yes. Nylon can absorb dye quickly and may become darker than other fibres, so test and monitor the process closely.
Can ProLine dye polyester?
Polyester is included in Rit’s ProLine material list. Synthetic-rich projects generally require sustained high heat and may need more dye or time than natural fibres. Follow the current synthetic method and test first.
Can I dye a polyester/cotton blend?
Yes, ProLine is designed for blends, but each fibre may take colour at a different depth. Expect a possible softer or heathered appearance and test the actual blend.
What about polyester thread, zips and labels?
They may colour differently from the main fabric. Check the entire construction—including trims, interfacing and coatings—before treating the full item.
Will stain-resistant or waterproof fabric dye evenly?
Possibly not. These finishes are designed to resist penetration and may cause pale or patchy results. Pre-wash and test; some permanent coatings cannot be removed.
Should I pre-wash before dyeing?
Yes. Use warm soapy water without fabric softener to remove dirt, oils, sizing and finishes that can interfere with absorption.
Do I dissolve ProLine powder first?
Yes. Dissolve the measured powder thoroughly in very hot water before adding it to the main bath to reduce speckling and concentrated spots.
Should I use salt or vinegar?
Rit generally recommends salt for cotton, linen, rayon and ramie, and white vinegar for wool, silk and nylon. Follow the current method for the correct scaled quantity.
Why is agitation important?
Consistent movement brings fresh dye solution into contact with the material and reduces fold marks, streaks and patchiness. The early part of the bath is especially important.
Can I use a washing machine?
Some natural-fibre projects may suit Rit’s washing-machine method. Synthetic-rich materials generally need sustained high heat that a domestic washer cannot maintain, so use the method specified for the fibre.
Will the wet colour stay that dark?
Usually not. Fabric looks darker while wet and dries lighter. Evaluate the shade after the test has been rinsed, washed and dried.
Should I use ColorStay Dye Fixative?
It is useful where compatible—particularly with cotton, linen, rayon, ramie and blends containing those fibres—to help reduce bleeding and improve colour retention.
Can I mix ProLine colours?
Yes, but weigh each component and document the formula precisely. Test the mix on representative material before scaling it to production.
How do I repeat the colour later?
Record the material lot, dry weight, each dye quantity, water volume, additives, bath temperature, agitation and time. Test the next material lot before production.
Can I use ProLine on wood, leather or plastic?
Rit lists selected wood, leather, suede and some plastics among possible applications. Composition and surface finish vary widely, so test an offcut or hidden area.
Is ProLine suitable for food-use equipment?
No food-use claim is made. Keep dye and dyeing tools away from food preparation and use dedicated, appropriate vessels and utensils.
How should I handle and store the powder?
Wear gloves, avoid airborne dust and eye contact, protect the workspace, close the pack securely and store it upright in a cool, dry place away from food, children and pets.
Build the recipe once. Repeat it with confidence.
Choose the ProLine colour, weigh the dry material and start with a representative test. The 1 lb pack gives studios and serious makers enough professional dye to refine, document and repeat the result.
Choose Your 1 lb Colour