Have you wished you could find a certain color of our fabric? Today we are teaching you how to dye fabric yourself!
If you’re a beginner, the best fabrics for dyeing are made from cotton . These fabrics don’t require heat, so you can take your time without worrying about controlling this variable in the dyeing process. They also absorb colors beautifully and predictably, so you’re more likely to have a successful dye project.
Our favorite fabric to dye is our 100% Organic Cotton French Terry. Some other Fabrics that work beautifully are our Modal Spandex in White, 95/5 Organic Cotton Waffle in White, or our 95/5 Organic Cotton 2x1 Rib in White!
Supplies you'll need:
- Soda ash
- Dye salt
- Fiber Reactive Powdered Dyes
- Rubber gloves or tongs to pick up fabric
- Urea
- Measuring cups and spoons to use separate from kitchen utensils
- Synthrapol textile wash
- A washer or large tub to move fabric in. I prefer the washer so I don't have to hand mix for an entire hour
1. Add one cap full of synthrapol to your washing machine or dye bath. Add your fabric and fill the washer with enough HOT water to cover your fabric. Wash for 15 minutes.
It is important to wash your fabrics before dyeing! This ensures dirt, grease, or sizing is removed from the fabric from the milling process.
6. After dye and salt mixture is fully dissolved, add your fabric back in (loosely) trying to make sure you do not have any creases when laying back into the water. Now agitate again for 15 minutes. DO NOT let your washer drain! Be sure to set a timer.
9. Drain dye bath after the full hour is complete. Add cool/cold water or restart the wash cycle on Cold, stopping when the fabric is covered. Be sure to watch your washer!! Do not let it move on to draining!
Add another cap full of synthrapol to the final wash so all excess dye is washed out. Allow your washer to Rinse or run the fabric under water until the water is clear if you are doing this by hand.
10. You can now throw your fabric in the dryer!
