How to Set or Fix Fabric Dye
Hand-dyeing in your washing machine is an easy way to change the color of fabric. The washing machine does most of the work and drains away the mess. To keep the new color, make the hand-dyed fabric color-fast by adding a fixative to the dye bath. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cotton, rayon or silk fabric
- Postal or kitchen scale
- Synthrapol or Orvis detergent
- Top-loading washing machine
- Fiber-reactive dye
- Salt
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Soda ash
Instructions
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Weigh the dry fabric for reference.
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2
Prewash the fabric with Synthrapol or Orvis detergent. Unlike commercial laundry detergents, these do not contain any additives that may interfere with dyeing.
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3
Fill the washing machine with enough warm water to cover the fabric comfortably.
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Stop the washer and add the dye to the water. For deep shades, add 1 oz. of dye per pound of fabric. Let the washer agitate a little to dissolve and distribute the dye.
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Stop the washer again and add the fabric to the washing machine. Let it agitate for about 10 minutes. You may have to reset the washing machine to allow this to happen. Don't let the water drain out of the washer.
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Stop the washer to add salt. The salt helps the dye migrate onto the fabric; it does not set the dye. For a pound of fabric, add 2 to 4 cups of salt. The more salt you add, the deeper the color.
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Let the washer agitate for about five minutes.
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Put on rubber gloves and face mask.
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Stop the washer and add the soda ash. This chemical sets the dye onto the fabric. For a pound of fabric, add 2 1/2 oz. of soda ash. Do not add it all at once, but in two or three small batches, agitating the washer in between batches to dissolve and distribute the fixative evenly.
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Let the washing machine complete a cycle that is at least 15 minutes. Let the cycle complete so the dye bath drains out of the washing machine, followed by a rinse cycle.
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Leave the fabric in the washing machine, and wash it again with Synthapol or Orvis detergent. Use whatever water temperature you would normally use for this fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
This procedure is not recommended for a front-loading washing machine because you cannot manually stop and start these machines.
This procedure will not work for wool or other protein fibers. You need a different type of dye and fixative.
Use care when handling soda ash as it is caustic. Wear gloves and a mask.
References
- Photo Credit écheveaux de laine teintés image by Moon from Fotolia.com
