How to Dye Chiffon

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Things You'll Need

  • Stain remover spray

  • 2 sinks or buckets

  • Powdered or liquid fabric dye

  • Glass measuring cup

  • Stainless steel spoon

  • Mild detergent

  • Washing machine

  • Clothesline or clothes dryer

You can create a variety of beautifully dyed chiffon fabrics.

Chiffon is a lightweight semitranslucent fabric that can be made from several different fibers. It is a dyeable fabric, but you'll get the best results if your chiffon is made from a natural fiber such as silk or cotton. Polyester chiffon does not take dye well, and you could end up with blotchy or smelly fabric as a result.

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Step 1

Remove any existing stains from the chiffon before beginning the dyeing process. If you dye over existing stains, the new color will be uneven. Try using a spray stain remover with enzymes to remove tough stains. After washing the stains out, air dry the chiffon or dry it on a low-heat setting in a clothes dryer.

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Step 2

Fill a sink or bucket with hot water. There should be enough hot water to allow the fabric to move freely.

Step 3

Fill a glass measuring cup with 2 cups of hot water. Dissolve powdered fabric dye in the water, and stir it until the powder dissolves. After the powder is dissolved, you can pour the dye mixture into your sink or bucket of hot water. If you are using liquid dye, you can pour it directly into the hot water. A 1 1/8-oz. package of powdered dye or an 8-oz. bottle of liquid dye will color approximately 1 pound or 3 yards of chiffon.

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Step 4

Thoroughly wet the chiffon by dunking it in another bucket or sink of clean, clear water or by holding it under running water in your bathtub. Carefully wring out the fabric, so excess water doesn't dilute the dye.

Step 5

Add the wet chiffon to the dye bath in the bucket or sink. Swirl the fabric around using a stainless steel spoon for 10 to 30 minutes. Use the longer time if you want the finished color to be stronger, or the shorter time if you want the color to be subtler.

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Step 6

Rinse the chiffon in warm water. Gradually change the running water to cooler water, and continue to rinse the chiffon until the water runs clear.

Step 7

Wash the chiffon in warm water with mild detergent. You can hand wash it or run it through a gentle cycle in your washing machine.

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Step 8

Dry the chiffon on a clothes line or in your clothes dryer on low heat.

Step 9

Wash your sink or bucket as soon as possible with a bleach-based detergent. If you allow the dye bath coloration to remain on the bucket or on the surface of your sink for long, it may leave permanent stains.

Tip

Use latex or rubber gloves while dyeing chiffon, especially if your skin is sensitive to chemicals.

Warning

Don't use a plastic or fiberglass sink or tub for dyeing chiffon. The dye will leave permanent stains.

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