Costume & wardrobe
Colour multiple garments, theatre pieces, cosplay components and coordinated wardrobe runs from one bulk supply.
Professional-scale colour · 5 lb bulk pack
Rit ProLine: reliable colour for projects that have outgrown the little packet
A concentrated powdered dye made for larger batches, repeat work and production-scale colour. ProLine combines direct, acid and disperse dyes so one professional formula can work across an unusually broad range of natural fibres, synthetics, blends and creative materials.
- 5 lb / approximately 2.27 kg of powdered dye in the selected colour.
- Up to approximately 29 kg of dry fabric using Rit’s general coverage guide.
- 24 colour choices across core shades, brights, neons and useful neutrals.
- Built for scale—uniforms, costuming, apparel production, textile work and more.
Bulk 5 lb / 2.27 kg pack
5 lb / 2.27 kgProfessional bulk pack
Up to 64 lbApprox. 29 kg dry-fabric guide*
Approx. 192 ydManufacturer yardage guide*
24 coloursOne selected colour per pack
*Manufacturer’s general coverage guide. Fibre, starting colour, shade, desired depth and method determine actual usage.
More colour on hand, fewer interruptions mid-project
ProLine is the practical choice when consistency, batch size and repeatability matter more than the convenience of a small retail packet.
Uniforms & apparel
Useful for workshops, makers and organisations recolouring or standardising repeated textile batches.
Large textile projects
Work across drapery, fabric yardage, carpet repair, set dressing and other jobs that need more than a household pack.
Creative materials
Rit also lists applications including wood, wicker, paper, cork, leather, suede, some plastics, 3D printing and concrete.
Professional does not mean one-method-fits-all. The correct heat, bath, additives and exposure time depend on the material. Confirm the fibre or substrate first, then follow the current Rit method guidance and the pack label.
Broad fibre reach
One blended dye system, many possible materials
Rit ProLine combines direct, acid and disperse dye components. That broadens its reach across cotton, linen, rayon, ramie, silk, wool, nylon, polyester, blends and selected non-fabric materials.
- Natural plant fibres including cotton, linen, hemp and rayon
- Animal fibres including wool and silk
- Nylon, polyester and polyester/cotton blends
- Selected acrylic, acetate, spandex and creative substrates
Twenty-four ProLine colours in the Direct Sewing range
Use the colour name and SKU to confirm your selection. These digital swatches help organise the range; they are not colour-calibrated promises of the finished result.
Cocoa BrownUC890/5
Lemon YellowUC890/77
Navy BlueUC890/8
FuchsiaUC890/114
Sunshine OrangeUC890/135
Evening BlueUC890/182
Kelly GreenUC890/28
Golden YellowUC890/19
BlackUC890/4
Dark GreenUC890/11
Neon PinkUC890/128
TealUC890/159
Neon YellowUC890/166
Denim BlueUC890/18
Royal BlueUC890/2
TangerineUC890/21
ScarletUC890/23
TaupeUC890/30
Pearl GreyUC890/31
Dark BrownUC890/35
WineUC890/79
Petal PinkUC890/80
VioletUC890/99
PurpleUC890/88
Always run a representative test. Dye is transparent: the material’s original colour combines with the selected dye, and different fibres in a blend may take the colour differently. Even black is influenced by fibre, heat, time and concentration.
Six steps to a more predictable dye batch
Identify the material
Check the fibre label or substrate. Coatings, stain resistance, water repellents and some finishes can block dye absorption.
Weigh it dry
Calculate from the dry material weight and desired depth. The 64 lb / 29 kg figure is a general maximum-coverage guide, not a guarantee for every shade.
Pre-wash thoroughly
Remove dirt, sizing, oils and finishes with warm soapy water. Do not use fabric softener before dyeing.
Prepare safely
Cover the workspace, wear gloves, avoid creating or inhaling powder dust, and dissolve the measured powder completely in very hot water.
Use the right method
Give the material room to move and agitate consistently. Follow Rit’s current temperature, additive and timing guidance for that fibre and dyeing method.
Finish the colour
Use ColorStay Dye Fixative where recommended, rinse until the water begins to run clear, then wash with mild detergent and dry.
Rit’s general natural-fabric method: powder is dissolved thoroughly in very hot water before it enters the dyebath. Salt is generally used with cotton, linen, rayon and ramie; vinegar is generally used with nylon, silk and wool. Follow the current instructions for quantities and your chosen method.
Start with dry weight—then adjust for the result you want
| Planning point | What Rit’s guide says | What changes the real requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | 5 lb / approximately 2.27 kg of powdered dye | One pack contains one selected colour |
| General fabric coverage | Up to 64 lb / approximately 29 kg dry fabric | Deep shades, black, less-receptive fibres and bold colour may require a higher dye-to-fabric ratio |
| General length guide | Approximately 192 yards / 176 metres | Fabric width, weight, weave, fibre and desired depth matter more than length alone |
| Starting colour | Dye adds colour; it does not cover like paint | A pale base gives the clearest result. Dark or strongly coloured material shifts the final shade |
| Mixed-fibre fabric | ProLine is designed for natural fibres, synthetics and blends | Each component may absorb differently, creating a heathered or lighter result |
| Production repeat | Use a documented recipe and process | Water, heat, time, agitation, fabric lot and dye lot can all affect repeatability |
Colour is transparent
The starting fabric is part of your colour formula
A white or pale neutral base shows the selected ProLine shade most clearly. Dyeing over yellow, blue, red or another strong colour creates a blend of the original and added colour.
Stains, fading and sun damage can also remain visible after dyeing. Remove stains and pre-wash first; if a major colour change is planned, consider whether a suitable colour-removal step is needed before dyeing.
Check the whole item: polyester sewing thread, zips, labels, coatings and trims may colour differently from the main fabric. A hidden-area or matching offcut test is the safest preview.
Rit ProLine 5 lb Powder Dye at a glance
| Brand | Rit |
|---|---|
| Range | ProLine |
| Form | Concentrated powdered dye |
| Pack size | 5 lb / approximately 2.27 kg |
| Contents | One 5 lb pack in the selected colour |
| Formula | Advanced mix of direct, acid and disperse dyes |
| General coverage guide | Up to approximately 64 lb / 29 kg dry fabric or approximately 192 yards / 176 metres; actual use varies |
| 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 | Industrial textiles, uniforms, wardrobe and theatre, cosplay, apparel making, large craft batches, carpet repair, 3D printing and concrete colouring |
| Colour range on this listing | 24 choices; select one colour before adding the product |
| Colour assurance | Test a representative sample and record the recipe before committing the full batch |
Choose the right supporting product for the job
Simple precautions make powder dye easier to work with
Protect yourself
Wear suitable gloves, avoid breathing powder dust, work with ventilation and wash exposed skin after handling.
Protect the workspace
Cover porous surfaces, keep spill materials nearby and use utensils and containers that are appropriate for dye work.
Store carefully
Keep the pack sealed, dry and clearly labelled, away from food, children and pets. Follow the label for storage.
Dispose responsibly
Rit describes the formula as non-toxic and septic/sewer safe when used as directed; still follow the pack label and local requirements.
For full handling information: read the current product label and Rit ProLine Powder Safety Data Sheet before use. If powder enters the eyes or is inhaled, follow the first-aid directions on the label/SDS.
Rit ProLine 5 lb FAQs
What is Rit ProLine Powder Dye?
It is Rit’s bulk powdered dye range for larger-scale and professional colour work. The formula combines direct, acid and disperse dyes to work across a broad variety of fibres and materials.
How much dye is in one pack?
One selected-colour pack contains 5 lb, approximately 2.27 kg, of powdered dye.
How much fabric can a 5 lb pack dye?
Rit gives a general guide of up to 64 lb, approximately 29 kg, of dry fabric or around 192 yards. Treat this as planning guidance: fibre, starting colour, shade and desired depth change actual coverage.
Is this one pack containing all 24 colours?
No. Select one colour from the product options; the pack contains 5 lb of that chosen colour.
Which colour should I select?
Choose by the variant name and SKU, not the on-screen swatch alone. The final colour depends on the starting material, and monitors do not reproduce dye colour exactly.
Why do I need to test first?
A test reveals how the actual fibre, finish and starting colour react to your planned concentration, heat, additives and exposure time. It is the best way to prevent an expensive batch surprise.
Will the dye cover the fabric’s original colour?
Dye is transparent rather than opaque. The original colour and the added dye combine, so a yellow fabric dyed blue may move towards green rather than a clean blue.
Can it make dark fabric lighter?
No. Dye adds colour. A suitable colour remover may help on some fibres, but always check fibre compatibility and test because colour removal is not guaranteed.
Can I use ProLine on cotton and linen?
Yes. Rit lists cotton and linen among the suitable fibres. Its general natural-fabric guidance uses hot water and salt for cotton, linen, rayon and ramie.
Can I dye rayon, ramie or hemp?
Yes, Rit lists these plant-derived fibres. Confirm the full garment composition and test any blend before scaling up.
Can I use it on wool or silk?
Rit lists wool and silk as suitable. These fibres require gentle handling, and Rit generally uses vinegar rather than salt with them. Follow the current fibre-specific instructions.
Can I use it on nylon?
Yes. Nylon often accepts dye quickly and can become darker than other fibres, so test carefully and monitor the bath.
Can I use it on polyester?
Polyester is included in Rit’s ProLine material list, but synthetic-rich materials typically require sustained high heat and can produce different results from natural fibres. Follow Rit’s current synthetic-fibre method and test first.
What happens on a polyester/cotton blend?
The two fibres may take colour at different depths. ProLine is designed for blends, but the finished shade may look softer, heathered or less saturated than the same recipe on a single fibre.
Will polyester sewing thread and zips change colour?
Possibly, but not necessarily to the same depth as the main fabric. Thread, zips, labels and trims can have different fibre content or finishes, so include them in your test assessment.
Can ProLine dye acrylic, acetate or spandex?
Rit includes them in the product’s broad material list. Results can be more variable than on receptive natural fibres, and heat-sensitive components need special care. Test the complete material first.
Can I dye fabric with a water-repellent or stain-resistant finish?
Such finishes may block dye absorption and cause pale or uneven results. Pre-wash thoroughly and test; some permanent coatings cannot be removed.
Should I pre-wash the fabric?
Yes. Pre-wash in warm soapy water without fabric softener to remove dirt, oil, sizing and finishes that could interfere with even absorption.
Do I dissolve the powder before use?
Yes. Rit’s general guidance is to dissolve powder thoroughly in very hot water before adding it to the prepared dyebath. This helps prevent speckles and concentrated spots.
Do I use salt or vinegar?
Rit generally recommends salt for cotton, linen, rayon and ramie, and vinegar for nylon, silk and wool. Use the current Rit instructions for the correct quantity and method.
How important is agitation?
Very important. The material needs room to move, and consistent agitation—especially early in the process—helps prevent streaks, folds and patchy colour.
Will the wet colour look the same when dry?
No. Fabric generally looks darker while wet and becomes lighter as it dries. Judge the final recipe from a rinsed, washed and fully dried test.
Should I use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative?
Rit recommends ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing where suitable, to help enhance colour and reduce bleeding and fading.
How do I repeat the same colour later?
Record the material lot, dry weight, dye amount, water volume, additives, temperature, agitation and time. Repeat those variables and test the new batch before production.
Can I mix ProLine colours?
Colours can be mixed, but scale a tested formula by weight and document it carefully. Make a small representative trial before committing valuable material.
Can it be used on wood, paper or wicker?
Rit lists wood, paper, wicker and cork among suitable creative materials. Porosity, sealing, finish and moisture tolerance vary, so test an offcut or hidden area.
Can it be used for leather or suede?
Rit lists leather and suede, but these materials vary widely in tanning, coating and finish. Test first and consider specialist advice for valuable items.
Is ProLine suitable for food equipment?
No food-use claim is made here. Keep dye and dyeing tools away from food preparation, and dedicate appropriate containers and utensils to dye work.
Is the powder safe to handle?
Use it only as directed. Wear gloves, avoid creating or inhaling dust, protect the workspace and read the current label and Safety Data Sheet before use.
Is it safe for septic and sewer systems?
Rit describes ProLine powder as non-toxic and septic/sewer safe when used as directed. Follow the pack label and any applicable local disposal requirements.
Scale up the colour—not the guesswork
Select your ProLine shade, weigh the dry material and run a representative test. Once the recipe is right, the 5 lb bulk pack gives you the supply to take on substantial batches with confidence.
Choose Your ProLine Colour