dyeing a coat

I have a blue winter overcoat which I wanted to dye black. It is 75%
polyester and 25% wool. It also was a German size 48 originally. I tried
to dye it the first time using two boxes of black RIT dye and hot
water(I was told that it would be safe for the coat). I didn't use salt,
and someone told me that's why it didn't dye at all. But, not only did
it not dye, it shrunk it a bit, but I could still wear it.

I decided to use the bottled dye the second time, and also salt in the
mix. I used 3 bottles of dye and 3 cups of salt, in VERY hot water.
Again, it didn't dye, but a little darker. Also, it shrunk so much, I
can't fit in it anymore. I have 2 questions:

1. Is there ANY way I can expand the fabric to a larger size?
2. What are ANY suggestions I can successfully dye the coat, without
shrinking it anymore?

I appreciate any help!

wrote:

I have a blue winter overcoat which I wanted to dye black. It is 75%
polyester and 25% wool. It also was a German size 48 originally. I tried
to dye it the first time using two boxes of black RIT dye and hot
water(I was told that it would be safe for the coat). I didn't use salt,
and someone told me that's why it didn't dye at all. But, not only did
it not dye, it shrunk it a bit, but I could still wear it.

I decided to use the bottled dye the second time, and also salt in the
mix. I used 3 bottles of dye and 3 cups of salt, in VERY hot water.
Again, it didn't dye, but a little darker. Also, it shrunk so much, I
can't fit in it anymore. I have 2 questions:

1. Is there ANY way I can expand the fabric to a larger size?
2. What are ANY suggestions I can successfully dye the coat, without
shrinking it anymore?

Polyester is notorious for not taking dye. In the factory, the pigment
is incorporated into the thread as it's made. While it's possible to dye
fabric with a low polyester content (poly-cotton T-shirts, for
instance), the results are unpredictable. With 75 percent poly content,
it's unlikely you'll be able to get the dye to take.

The shrinkage is likely due to the wool content, and you probably won't
be able to reverse it.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but when dying fabric, it's a good
idea to do the research first.

--
Pat Kight