How to Jar Dye

A glass jar with a lid is the best vessel for dyeing fabric.

Using a jar to dye textiles allows you to achieve the same brilliant results without the bother and mess of dyeing on the stove top or in the washing machine. Jar dyeing creates a softly mottled effect that mimics batik or tie dye. Use a jar to keep all of the dye contained, then simply rinse the jar out and reuse as needed. Any fabric that can be dyed using traditional methods can be dyed in a jar; the only limitation is the size of the jar itself. Use a recycled glass jar with a lid, or purchase a large mason jar to dye fabric whenever you need to.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar with lid
• Fabric or clothing to dye
• Powdered fabric dye, two complementary shades
• Boiling water
• 2 tbsp. table salt

Instructions

1. Gather the fabric in one hand and hold it above the mouth of the jar. Lower the fabric until it pools on the bottom of the jar.

2. Sprinkle the pooled fabric with dye powder. You can use one color or combine both. The more dye you add, the more color will be deposited onto your fabric.

3. Lower more fabric into the jar, gently pushing it to the bottom and covering the first layer entirely. Sprinkle with dye.

4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 until you reach the top of the jar. Slowly pour boiling water over the fabric and fill the jar. Just before you reach the top, add the table salt.

5. Place the lid on the jar and wait for 30 minutes. Pour the jar into the sink and rinse the remaining dye down the drain. Line dry your fabric, or place it in the dryer, then wear or use as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the fabric into the jar before you begin to be sure it will fit.

• Most large (quart-sized or more) mason jars will hold about a yard of fabric or a single adult garment like a shirt or skirt.

• The same technique can be used to jar dye ribbon or yarn.

• Handle wet glass jars with care; they become very slippery.

• Use glass, not plastic, jars for dyeing. Plastic jars will retain some of the dye even after cleaning.

• Don't use jars for food after you've used them for dyeing.

References

• Burda Style: Jar Dyeing Fabric
• "Craftcycle: 100+ Earth-Friendly Projects and Ideas for Everyday Living"; Heidi Boyd; 2009
• "Fabric Dyeing For Beginners"; Vimala McClure; 2003