Fabric Dyeing Questions

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January Questions

I have a cashmere sweater (dry clean only) that I am wanting to dye. I am not sure what kind of dye to use, where to buy it, and what method to use to dye it. Can you provide me with any helpful information? I appreciate it. Thanks, heidi
Heidi,
I don't have a lot of experience dyeing wool or cashmere, but here's what I know. The acid dyes are best for these fibers, & they require very hot water. I can use the acid dyes with hot water in my washing machine - the hot is hot enough. The alternative method is on the stove top with simmering water. Keep in mind that your sweater may shrink with all this HOT water.

Acid dyes are available at www.dharmatrading.com. They include the full instructions.

Remember, you will be adding color, so the sweater must be a light color if you want to add color to it.
best!
Jennifer

Dear Joan,
By coincidence, I got another question on dyeing cashmere today - & I also bought a cashmere sweater at a thrift store myself! So stay tuned & I will let you know how it goes. Keep in mind that using the acid dyes (best for wool & protein fibers) requires HOT water, either on the stove top or in the washer. So you must be willing to experiment. best,
Jennifer

Dear Friends,
Today I dyed a cashmere sweater & here's my report!

1. Started with an off-white cashmere turtleneck from a thrift store for which I paid $1. It had a small hole & a yellowish spot on the front.
2. First stitched up the hole with the color thread that I intended to dye.
3. Proceed with acid dyes (powder form) to the washing machine. Fill washer with smallest load of HOT water. Add small amount (start with 1/2 tsp) of acid dye while washer is filling.
4. After the washer starts to agitate (delicate load), add sweater. Let agitate 2 min. Add 1 cup white vinegar while machine is agitating.
5. Check color in 2-3 minutes. Add more dye if desired. Stay at this step until you are satisfied with the approximate color. Remember things are darker when wet.
6. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WITH DYEING WOOL OR CASHMERE IS TO KEEP THE GARMENT AT THE SAME TEMPERATURE. It's the "shock" of moving from hot to warm or cold that will cause shrinking & felting. So you need to keep a close eye on the washer to make sure that the rinse load doesn't start filling up with cold water (automatic default on my hot water load). To avoid this shocking, I let the washer empty & then set it cycle back to the beginning to let rinse with hot water. Basically manual operation of the washer.
7. Rinse load. HOT water.
8. Washing out excess dye with Synthropol (also available from Dharma). HOT water. At this point, I let the washing load run out of the washer & spin the sweater a minute or two. Then I took it out of the washer & moved to the bathroom sink. Rinsed about 6 times with HOT water in the sink. This took out the synthropol & a lot of excess dye.
9. Roll sweater in towel, squeeze, lay out on dry towel.
10. Results. Not a very dark, saturated color (I wanted a mocha brown), more like a mocha heathered effect. Shorter cashmere fibers are pulled to the surface by the agitation & therefore the sweater appears more fuzzy than it was. However, a lovely color & overall I am pleased. Very little shrinkage & no felting. Sweater is still drying so I can't report that I have put it on yet.
11.Possibly a darker color could be obtained by using the simmer on the stove method. I personally am not willing to do this, too big of a mess & too much chance of splattering everything with dye, including myself.

Have fun & report on results!!
Happy New Year,
Jennifer

Jennifer--
Thanks for the report. I will be interested in the update after it's completely dry. How much darker a color would you reommend choosing for an off-white sweater with yellowish spots, which is what I have also. Are there certain colors or shades that would be easier for a novice to use successfully. Thanks! Joan
Joan,
Final report: no shrinkage. Sort of a heathered look. It's been very hot here so I haven't had a chance to wear it!

I have a suspicion that the darkness of the color relates to the hotness of the water, & really hot water (simmering) can only be gotten on the stove. I don't know what color you should choose. Just try something! If you like the brown idea, you could try chestnut or brown in acid dyes. Remember, it's all an experiment.
best,
Jennifer

Hello: I will be in a wedding in June and wanted to save money by dying my own shoes. I know Rit sells a variety of colors. Can I achieve good results dying my own shoes? What is the best process to use? Thanks, Kate
Hi Kate,
I don't recommend trying this unless you are willing to be totally unattached to the outcome. It's hard to get the color even, without streaking, etc. Plus, peau de soie shoes are mostly polyester, which can't be dyed using Rit or reactive dyes. Send them to the professionals. Sorry,
Jennifer

I have A Nina Crush Antique Scarf 55"w by 216" L
I want to dye them a light purple. How do I do that? Please help.
Thank You, Sabrina
Dear Sabrina,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. There is a link to the page at the top of my column. This will tell you everything you need to know to proceed. Write back if you have more questions!
best,
Jennifer

I recently purchased a box of Rit color remover to lighten a pair of dark blue jeans. Nowhere on the outside of the box does it say not to be used on denim fabrics. Once I opened the box, the instructions printed on the inside of the box say not to be used on denim. Is there any way to remove some of the dark color from blue jeans? Thank You Larry
Dear Larry,
First, all dyeing is an experiment. Even I don't know what will come out!

Next, I really don't know why the Rit people say that but here's my theory. Denim is two different colors - the woof is white or off-white while the weft is blue, black, etc. So if you remove color, you'll get a very flat color - no denim contrast. (People have written to me about doing this very thing, trying to overdye & coming up with a solid, flat, funny looking pair of jeans). However, if you are not trying to overdye, maybe this won't concern you.

Color remover is strong stuff. You could start with a little & see what happens! If you are not willing to experiment, you must go shopping.
Happy New Year,
Jennifer

Hi!
I was reading your Dizzy lettuce sites' dying fabric section. I was wondering what you thought of dying a 100% (good quality) light green silk dress black. There's no zippers and the trim could easily be replaced if it doesn't take the colour in the right way.
thankyou,
Kat
Hi Kat,
This is possible, but challenging. Black is the hardest color to get, plus you risk shrinkage & twisting. Also, the thread with which it is sewn will remain green. If you want to consult with the professionals you can contact Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com.

Happy New Year!!
Jennifer

I would like to dye my white cotton bed sheets gold. Do you know where I could locate this color? I am having a hard time finding it. Thanks Judi
Hi Judi,
check out the reactive dyes at www.dharmatrading.com. They carry a wide range of colors & you can mix if they don't have what you want. You'll also need soda ash, synthropol, & ordinary table salt. Get everything from Dharma except the salt. It's easy in the washing machine.
have fun,
Jennifer

Hey there,
I came across you site when looking for dye to redye my black fabrics. I saw the website you recommend, with the industrial dye you recommend for recoloring faded fabrics (http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1765-AA.shtml). The problem is, many of my black pants have ribbon/lace/colored stitching trim on them, and the shirts have some sort of design on them.. will the black dye affect these parts as well? Or do you think the ribbon/lace/applique's will stand up? Also, since you seem to have used the industrial dyes to redye blacks before, do you know about how long the "new" black will last? I appreciate your response. I'm excited at the prospect of getting my "blacks" back to black instead of charcoal grey! Regards, Jessica W.
Jessica,
IF the ribbons, stitching, etc are polyester (which they most probably are), they will not be affected by the dye. Appliques that are rayon will dye (some are). The first rule of dyeing is, It's All An Experiment. If it doesn't work, time to go shopping. I don't know how long the overdyeing will last. Generally for me it's lasted until I am sick of the garment.
best,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer I have several bolts of wool fabric(content unknown) that are just horrible colors! Is it possible to change the colors? Thank You, Starr
Dear Starr,
Probably not, but you can experiment if you want to try. Search on google & also on askjeeves.com for wool dyeing. First, read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. Next, read all the dyeing instructions at dharmatrading.com & prochemical.com. You will need a big metal pot that you can get on your stove & some wooden dowels or spoons, plus heavy duty gloves & so forth because this is a HOT water process. If you want to try removing color first, get some Dharma Color Remover plus soda ash & synthropol. I know this is a lot of work! And unless the fabric is all wool or wool plus a natural fiber, the dye may not stick at all.

If I were you I would put the bolts up for sale on ebay or give them away in your local freecycle group. Make a place for more appropriate fabric to come into your life.
best,
Jennifer

Hi!
Being gothic, I own a lot of black clothes...some fade & I dye them. I use the popluar store brand Rit. This dye doesn't dye dark enough (no matter how many boxes I use) and it washes out eventually. My question is: What is the BEST Dye brand to use and where might it be purchased.
Thank you very much for your answer. Michaela
Dear Michaela,
Next best alternative is the industrial dye available from www.dharmatrading.com. Super easy to use & quite effective. I do this myself about once a year. All you do is put the packet of dye into the washer in a hot load & let it run about 20 min. Search for industrial dyes at dharma.
best,
Jennifer

I have a faux sude pale blue coat. Its outer layer is 100% polyester and inner layer is 80%acryll and 20 % polyester, is there anything I can do to dye it a darker colour possibly burgandy. Thanks, Pam
Pam,
I am sorry, this can't be dyed.
best,
Jennifer

We just received a beautiful rough Thai silk duvet cover with a softer, shinier Thai silk insert in the center front of the duvet. The colours are in a gorgeous rich purple/fuchsia shades, and I am extremely nervous to wash it! The store owners said I could probably throw it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and hang it to dry... I am leaning towards a professional dry cleaner, but that will become too costly in the long run. I was also hoping you might know how I can set the colours to keep the brilliance alive! Please... any advice would be appreciated! I would even consider handwashing (UGH) if that is the optimal route! Thank you in advance! Leanna in Canada
Dear Leanna,
I don't know what will exactly produce the response that you want, but if it were mine, I would wash in the machine, on delicate cycle, using Synthropol. This will keep the excess dye from backwashing onto itself. Get this at www.dharmatrading.com. Use only about 1/2 tablespoon of synthropol. It's very concentrated.
sounds beautiful!
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,
I have a brand new pair of Belgian loafers that I would like to dye (www.belgianshoes.com). They are 100% handcrafted and entirely suede except for leather trim. I have found conflicting opinions on whether or not suede can be dyed. Do you have any advice? Thank you.
Eileen,
Leather dyeing is not my thing, but here's what I suggest. Take them to a full-service shoe repair place & see what they say. You can also consult with the following establishments:
www.leathermagic.com
www.coronetleather.com
good luck,
Jennifer

Hi. I have custom made antiques satin curtains. They are peach. I am wanting to dye them more of a nuetral color like tan,beige. Can you please let me know if this kind of material can be dyed? Thank You Ginger
Ginger,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. This will give you the basic info you need. In a nutshell, it all depends on the fiber content of the fabric. Write back if you have more questions.

best,
Jennifer

I AM TRYING TO DYE BLUE COTTON/POLYESTER SCRUBS TO BLACK AND THE COLOR IS NOT TAKING, I HAVE SOAKED THEM IN VINEGAR AND HAVE DONE THE SALT IN THE WATER AND LET THEM SOAK FOR OVER 5 HOURS AND THE COLOR WILL NOT TURN BLACK, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST? BETTY
betty,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 (at the top of the Dizzylettuce column at fabrics.net). This will explain your dilemma.
1. Polyester will not take dye at all.
2. Black is a hard color to get in best of circumstances.
3. Rit is not a dark, saturated dye.
4. Good news is that all cotton, ready-to-dye scrubs are available at www.dharmatrading.com.
best,
Jennifer

I am doing a science project in which I am dyeing fabrics. I am using Rit dye, but also polyester fabric. I read that the reason polyester cannot be dyed is because it's water repellant, but a non-water based solvent besides water might work. Is this true? Is there any other way of dyeing polyester? Lindsay
Lindsay,
Here is the deal. Polyester is a petroleum-based fiber, sort of like plastic in fabric form. It's dyed in its liquid form at the factory & then spun into threads & woven. So water-based dyes, such as Rit & also the reactive dyes will not stick to it. It's like trying to dye a plastic bag. Rit & other water-based dyes are not designed to work with any other solvent. I have heard that airbrush ink will stick to polyester, but it must be heat-set at high temperatures to keep it on the fabric. However, don't try this at home! I have no experience with it & can't recommend this for home use.
Get a length of cotton muslin & experiment away with Rit & also the reactive dyes that are available at www.dharmatrading.com.
Have fun!
Jennifer

I have a full length faux lynx coat & was wondering if there was any way to dye it. It is arcrylic.
Sorry, this can't be dyed.
Jennifer

We have a white ribbon that is either rayon or silk that we have dyed with rit & a rainbow products. We dyed some areas teal & some blue-purple but left some areas the white. We are having a problem with our test ribbon with the dyed colors fading & bleeding. We didn't prewash the ribbon or use any fixatives. Is there anything thing we can do now to apply on it? Her coach says we have to place in cold water to get the excess dye out so it won't be heavy & the ribbon will flow smoothly. Should we just start all over with a new ribbon & if so, how to we go about it. We had to mix some colors & search high & low just to achieve the color we wanted. We have to match her costume. This is for rythmic gymnastics competitions. I hope you can help. Thanks June
June,
I had a gymnastics student for many years, too, & am familiar with rhythmic gymnastics.
Go to the following websites & study carefully.
www.dharmatrading.com
www.prochemical.com
Rit is not a very saturated or colorfast dye. If your ribbon is really rayon or silk (which I suspect it is, if it took any Rit dye), you need to work with the reactive dyes. If you want to experiment with colors to get the shade you want, you can get a small amount of rayon and silk yardage from Dharma & run some swatches. Try both unless you know your ribbon fiber content for sure. Reactive dyes require soda ash, Synthropol (from Dharma) & ordinary table salt. Write back if you have additional questions.
have fun & good luck!
Jennifer

I love your website! I have an old faux fur coat which is an ugly brown color and would like to dye it black or a dark green. How do I go about doing this? Thank you so much!! Jacklyn
Jacklyn,
I am sorry, synthetic faux fur cannot be dyed. Time to go shopping.
Jennifer

I am moving into a house with beautiful cotton draperies, but they have a lot of blue in the pattern. They would be very expensive to replace. The other colors of red, green, and khaki are fine, but the blue wont work with my decor. Can I dye just the blue florals somehow, by applying dye just to those sections?? If so, how and what type of dye? Thanks.
Dear Dale,
I am sorry, what you propose is not feasible. If it were my new house, I would enlist the services of an interior designer to work the blue into the room. Otherwise you must go shopping for new fabric.
Jennifer

 

You can ask Jennifer questions at dizzylettuce@Fabrics.net.

Jennifer Thompson Miller: I love my work in beautiful textiles, color, trim, and design! I am a devoted student of fashion history and love vintage and vintage-inspired looks. For many years, my main focus was fashion sewing, using natural fibers in beautiful colors. In recent years, much to my delight, I have learned color mixing and silk dyeing. This has added a vibrant, versatile dimension to my fashion design.

I learned design and needlework from my mother and grandmother, and I am very grateful for their inspiration and instruction. Some of my earliest memories are spending time in the fabric store, while my mother designed and picked out fabrics for glamorous outfits. From the age of ten, my mother and other fashion-conscious ladies would ask my opinions on fabrics that they were combining.

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