Dyeing fabrics to hide a stain or revive a faded shirt is easier than you think. If you've never tried, here in three simple steps arethe basics of coloring fabrics to help you get started.
Do you love to create your own unique look, both in your home and with your clothing? Perhaps your favorite black sweater has a big bleach stain on the front? Why not try one of the many fabric coloring techniques used to revamp a faded, old outfit or introduce a new twist into your home decor. Here's where to start:
Step 1: Prepare
Before you start to use one of the many fabric coloring techniques out there, you must first check a few details about the fabric you’ll be dyeing. Here are some tips:
- Know exactly which blends of material are in the garment you want to work on. Cotton, linen, wool and synthetics require different dyeing processes and, sometimes, different dyes. Some fabrics cannot be dyed at all, such as waterproof material, acrylics and dry clean-only items.
- Your possibilities are somewhat limited by the original color of the garment. Unless you use a color remover first, you won’t be able to dye a fabric lighter than its original color. Keep in mind that a deeply embedded stain may even remain after the use of a dark dye.
- Try different dyes. Dip a cotton swab into the dye to get an idea of its tone. You can also try mixing colors this way before you begin dyeing.
Step 2: Dye
Here’s an overview of the most common fabric dyeing techniques.
- Fabric dye in a box
Use the right product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
- Tie-dye
Made popular in the 1960s, tie-dyeing is a great way to transform an old t-shirt or beach wrap. To achieve a fun hippie look with this very simple technique all you need is dye, water, elastic bands and fabric.
- Batik
This method is perfect for creating colorful, intricate patterns. Wax prevents the dye from penetrating through the fabric where you want it to keep its original color, resulting in a complex overlay of patterns and hues. Cotton is the material of choice for use with this technique.
- Color removal
If you would like to lighten a fabric or attempt to remove a stain, you can use a color remover to bleach the garment. You’ll most likely end up with an off-white or beige material. Simple chlorine bleach may be effective for the removal of stains from white fabrics. Color remover can be found on the same shelf as fabric color dyes at department stores and fabric shops.
Step 3: Fix
Regardless of the fabric dyeing technique you use, add one cup of white vinegar and one cup of coarse salt to fix the colors. This helps to better bind the colors to the fabric. Now, dry your garment and admire your work. You may want to repeat the experience with family and friends. Fun, guaranteed!
