How to Dye Hemp

You can dye items made from hemp fabric to more attractive colors.

The hemp plant is the source of a durable fiber that you can use to create many things, from clothing to craft projects. Like other natural fibers, you can dye hemp fabric from its original color to more exciting shades. You can complete the process of dyeing the hemp fabric to a new color in a couple of hours.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Laundry detergent
• Dye
• Bucket
• Salt
• Wooden spoon
• 1/3 cup soda ash

Instructions

1. Prewash the hemp fabric in hot water and a laundry detergent. The washing removes any oils, chemicals or dirt that the fabric may contain so that it can accept the dye.

2. Mix the dye in a bucket, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the salt to the dye and stir until it dissolves. Place the fabric in the bucket and stir with a spoon for at least 20 minutes.

3. Mix 1/3 cup of soda ash with an equal amount of warm water and stir until the ash is dissolved. Pour a small amount of the mixture into the dye as you stir but ensure that you do not pour it directly onto the hemp fabric. Continue adding small amounts of the remaining soda ash mixture at intervals over a 15-minute period.

4. Stir the fabric around in the dye for the next 30 minutes if you want a light color or for an hour if you want a dark color. Take the fabric out of the bucket and rinse it in cold running water until the water runs clear from the fabric. Wash the hemp fabric in hot water mixed with a laundry detergent. Hang it out to air dry.

References

• Dharma Trading Company: Tub Dyeing Basics
• Rit Dye: Dyeing Techniques: Sink or Bucket