A dye is a colored substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution, and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber.
Transform a plain white or light colored garment by dyeing it a bright, vibrant hue. You can dye clothes using natural plant materials and chemical, store-bought dyes. The process is simple either way. Here are top 5 easy steps for chemical dye, stovetop method.
1. Add fixative into water
At first you need to wash your clothes before dyeing them. The clothes you want to dye should be clean before you begin. Put them through a normal warm washing cycle with a mild laundry detergent. Simmer a stockpot of water. Fill a large stockpot three-quarters full with water. Bring it up to a simmer on your stove using medium heat.
Use a 2-gallon (8-L) stockpot. Otherwise, you may not have enough room to adequately and evenly dye your clothes.
Add a fixative. For chemical dyes, the fixative should be added directly to the dye bath. The fixative should be determined based on the type of fabric your clothes are made from.
*For natural fibers, like cotton and silk, add 1 cup (250 ml) of salt to the water as it comes to a boil.
*For synthetic fibers, like nylon, add 1 cup (250 ml) of white vinegar to the water.
2. Add the dye solution
Add the dye solution to the water. You can use granular dye or liquid dye. Follow the instructions provided on the package to determine the correct amount of dye to use.
*If using a box of powder dye, you will usually pour the entire package into the simmering water.
*If using liquid dye, you will usually use half the bottle.
*Stir the dye into the water until evenly dispersed.
Dunk your clothing item into the dye. Drop the clothing item into the dye bath until the entire garment is covered.
Use a mixing spoon to press the fabric completely beneath the surface.
3. Clothes simmer
Let the clothes simmer in the dye bath. Once the dye bath reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
*Stir the garment periodically to ensure even dyeing.
*Do not cover the stockpot.
4. Rinse the cloth
Rinse the clothing in running water. Carefully remove the clothes from the hot dye bath using two spoons and lift it until a metal sink. Run hot water over your garment, gradually decreasing the temperature until it reaches ice cold water and the water running off the garment turns clear.
*Dump your dye bath in a metal sink to dispose of it.
*A lot of dye will come out as you rinse the fabric. This is normal and inevitable.
*Using ice cold water at the end sets the dye into the clothing.
5. Final step drying
Let the clothes air dry. Hang the clothes somewhere and let it dry completely.
*Do not dry in a drying machine.
*Place an old towel or rag beneath the clothing to catch any dripping dye as the item dries.
You can also check Top 5 Easy Steps For Natural Dyeing
