Why not use a big laundry basket? You know, the ones that look like big buckets? If it can accommodate your coverlet dry, it can probably hold it wet. Do the dyeing process outside like on a driveway, where you can dump the dye into the sewer when you're done. Use a hose to rinse everything. Hang the coverlet up to dry.

I agree with KHinNJ. Cotton happily accomodates dyes. I'd suggest waiting until spring and getting one of those light weight kiddie wading pools. I would also suggest buying a bit of similar fabric to test first. Also, invest a some good fiber reactive dyes, such as procion, but I would not recommend rit dye, as in my experience it isn't permanent.

Ditto procion dye and a kiddie pool/hose setup.

I'd consult with someone who has successfully dyed big items before. Among other issues is that if your dye doesn't properly set, you will have pink sheets. You need to rinse like you wouldn't believe!

Use plain white vinegar as a fixative to help keep the dye on the coverlet. Get a gallon jug of it. And be prepared to use a lot of water!

You might be able to get a dry-cleaner, costume shop, fashion/costume school or industrial dyer in your area to do this if you find it too daunting. They will have dye vats and experience.

Yes, you can ask around at dry cleaners or quilt groups in your area - or - you can send out for dyeing, just Google for 'custom dyeing service'. It's expensive though and the process really isn't as hard as it sounds, I dye large items frequently, a couple keys:

* because your item has been in use, you need to pre-wash it with a proper detergent before dyeing to ensure it's extra-clean and the dye takes fully, Synthrapol always works well for me

* only use what's called a 'fiber-reactive' dye, like Procion, it ensures that (used with a fixer) the dye will stay on the fabric and not migrate to another fabric item or ruin a washing machine. If home dyeing, however, your item needs to be heat set so you'll need access to a large enough clothes dryer or patiently use an iron.

* you can absolutely dye that in a tub but you'll need a big mixing stick and an area where you can drain off the dye water. Plan ahead because carrying buckets of dye water isn't fun! I have however dyed comforter covers, and large lengths of fabric for curtains, in my home laundry machine. I just control the cycles and press most of the remaining dye water out by hand before I switch to a spin cycle.

I recommend following Dharma Trading's instructions - it's where I get my dye supplies and they have great step-by-step information:

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/164823-AA.shtml

All these ppl suggesting wading pools... why not just do it in the bathtub? Will it be impossible to clean off of the tub? Maybe you always wanted a pink tub! (No bathtub, then?)

I've dyed curtains, bedsheets, etc... I have a big plastic bin that I use which holds maybe 20 gallons. I rarely fill it halfway, and I follow the instructions for vat dying (with fiber reactive procion dye) and it's fine! I do the rinsing in my bathtub, and sometimes wash there too, by hand. You also could use your bathtub as a dye vat. I have gotten dye on my bathtub (it's where I put my plastic tub while dying) and it comes off... Best idea is to call Dharma Trading Company and ask them for suggestions! They are awesome.

I've washed king sized duvet covers in my washer, so I'm not sure why you can't use your washer. I dye stuff all the time in my washer. You have to keep setting the timer back to make sure that it agitates for the right amount of time but that's the only tricky bit. I always do an empty load with just water and bleach afterwards, but I've never had any problem with staining in the washer - either of parts or of things washed afterwards.

If you do use a pool or tub, you'll need to be careful that everything gets evenly dyed, which is not a problem when you use a washer.

I completed a simliar project with my IKEA couch cover (cotton). I used a kiddie pool and it worked out fabulously. It's wide and shallow shape makes it easy to ensure all fabric is submerged correctly. Happy dying!

Check out low immersion dying techniques - you really can do that in a smaller space and with less water. Ann Johnston has a great book on the subject. You can also google instructions and get them from the companies other people have recommend - Procion and Dharma Trading (both companies are good to work with and may help you over the phone). If you want the dye to saturate the fiber evenly, you will need to stir the fabric in the solution more than if you want a mottled look on the fabric. For that, it is helpful to have a slightly larger container than you would otherwise need for low immersion dying.

If you live in an area with a university or art school, a fiber major would be able to dye something for cheap.

Do you have basic sewing skills and a machine? If you separate the front and back you may find that your machine is large enough to do it in two batches.

I'm not familiar with the Utility brand but I gather it's fairly basic. You could probably simply replace it for the cost of the kid's pool, the dye and your labour.

Another enthusiastic vote for Procion dyes. I dye a lot of stuff in my tub. And Synthrapol detergent is great for pre-wash (remove dirt, more even dye later) and post-wash (remove excess dye.

I vote Procion dyes, but please, do NOT dump it to a sewer drain. It needs to go through the black water system of the community. ( the chemicals in analine dyes kill lots of organisms, including those that break down sewage in septic fields).
It can be poured on open land if very (extremely, absolutely) dilute.

Another option is some form of giant ziplock in which to dye.

Good directions for vat dyeing can be found at Dharma Trading Company www.dharmatrading.com.

Best dyes are Rupert, Gibbon and Spyder.