How to Dye a Crinoline Pink

Stiff crinoline fabric under a skirt can help give it body.

Special-occasion dresses with long, full skirts usually have a layer or two of crinoline underneath. Originally the fabric got its body from stiff horsehair threads that were intertwined with softer cotton fibers, but today stiff polyester fibers have replaced the horsehair. Though it hit its height of popularity in the 1850s, and had a brief resurgence with 1980s pop stars, crinoline is still used for petticoats under bridal gowns and costumes. Brides who wish to spice up their gowns may choose to dye their crinolines pink. This dainty touch requires hot water, fabric dye and a washing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric dye
• Washing machine
• Dryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill the washing machine with hot water, and allow the crinoline slip to soak for 10 minutes.

2. Start the washing machine, and program it for a long wash cycle that will allow the fabric to be exposed to the dye for at least 30 minutes. If the machine doesn't have a long cycle, stop it before it goes to the rinse cycle and run it through a second wash cycle.

3. Add the fabric dye to the washing machine while the machine is agitating the water so the dye will mix in evenly.

4. Rinse the crinoline skirt in cold water until the water in the washing machine runs clean. It might take two or three rinse cycles, before the excess dye is completely washed out.

5. Dry the crinoline in a dryer, which will help to set the fabric dye. If a dryer isn't available, hang the skirt to air-dry, then iron the fabric on a medium setting, without steam, to help set the color.

Tips & Warnings

• Use latex gloves when working with fabric dye to prevent the dye from staining the hands.

• Each brand of fabric dye has different instructions. Follow the directions that come with the product to ensure the proper proportions of dye to water.

• Most crinoline slips are made of cotton-polyester blends, which wash well. However, check the fabric content of your crinoline before you dye it to make sure it is washable.

References

• "The Corset and the Crinoline: An Illustrated History"; W. B. Lord; 2007
• "The Artful Ribbon: Beauties in Bloom"; Candace Kling; 1996
• "Nineteenth-Century Costume and Fashion"; Herbert Norris, Oswald Curtis; 1998
• "Transforming Fabric: 30 Creative Ways to Paint, Dye, and Pattern Cloth"; Carolyn A. Dahl; 2004