DIY Drip Dye Scarves

Drip-dyed scarves are fashionable and fun to make.

Drip dyeing is a special kind of fabric dyeing that gives the fabric a gradated blending of color. It is called "drip dyeing" because gravity pulls on the dye over time, causing it to drip down and accumulate in the ends of the fabric. With this method, fabric is a pale shade of the dye color at one end and much more saturated at the other. You can make your own drip-dyed scarves easily in your bathroom and laundry room with simple dyeing supplies and household items.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric dye
• Water
• Table salt
• Soda ash
• Scarf made of natural fibers, such as cotton or silk (preferably white)
• Two plastic buckets
• Dish gloves
• Clothesline
• Clothespins
• Vinegar
• Detergent
• Washing machine

Instructions

How to Drip Dye Scarves

1. 

   You can buy premixed dye colors or mix your own.

   Mix dye according to package directions in the bucket. Use enough water that the scarf can be completely submerged in the dye mixture. Add 1 cup of salt and 1 ounce of soda ash for every gallon of water used.

2. Submerge the scarf in the dye. All parts of the scarf must be soaked. Let the scarf sit in the dye for about two minutes. Position the bucket under the clothesline.

3. Remove the scarf from the dye and hang on the clothesline over the bucket. Use clothespins to secure the scarf to the line. If the scarf hangs from one end, the dye will concentrate at the opposite end. If the scarf hangs by its middle, the dye will concentrate in both ends of the fabric.

4. 

   Hanging outside makes for quicker set time and less gradation.

   Allow the scarf to hang and the dye to set for 10 to 30 minutes.

5. Check the scarf periodically during a set time. For a subtle gradation, keep to the minimum set time. For a more dramatic color change, leave the dye to set for 30 minutes or more.

6. Rinse the scarf under warm running water when the dye is completely set to your liking. Rinse again in cold water until the water runs clear.

7. Soak the scarf in a second bucket filled with vinegar water for 30 minutes to further set the dye. Use 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water. Rinse again in cold water until water runs clear.

8. 

   Wash the scarf alone to avoid staining other items.

   Machine wash the scarf in cold water.

9. 

   Your drip-dyed scarf is now ready to wear.

   Allow scarf to dry completely before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear dish gloves whenever working with the dye to protect your hands from staining. Use a cleaning solution that contains bleach to clean up any unwanted dye splatters in your work space. Test the process with a piece of scrap fabric first to establish how long it will take to achieve your desired level of gradation. Soaking the scarf in vinegar water prevents bleeding during future washings.

• Different fabric weaves and weights, as well as inconsistencies between dye colors, will vary your results. Adjust dye time and concentration as necessary. The dye can also stain the clothes you're wearing. Wear work clothes for this project.

References

• DIY Life; Gradient Dip-Dyed Tights; M.E. Williams; April 2008
• Dharma Trading Company: Ombre Instructions
• Every Body Every Wear: Yellow Dip Dyed Scarf

Resources

• Community of Dyers: Best Way to Dip-Dye or Gradient Dye Clothes?
• Rit Dye: Ombre Dyeing