Fabric Dyeing Questions

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February Questions

I have a light spot on my red pool felt that my cat caused. Is there a way to match the dye for touch up. its covers about an inch? Rick
Hi Rick,
Sorry, this can't be easily repaired. Call the pool table consultants & see what they recommend.
best,
Jennifer

Hi, I have 2 flower girl dresses that say they are poly/cotton on the label. I want to change the color from white to an ivory or vanilla or anything that will go with my ivory wedding dress better. Is there any way I can do this, someone suggested using tea?? Im not sure about this... I love the style of the dresses and would rather do something than buy another two.... thanks, Julie
Hi Julie,
First, read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. Here is the link: http://www.fabrics.net./dizzylettuce.asp. IF you want to risk washing/agitating the dresses in warm-to-hot water, you can try dyeing them with the reactive dyes available at www.dharmatrading.com. Buy a small jar of ivory or ecru. Both of these are quite light. Test first with a piece of similar poly-cotton that you get at a fabric store. Start with a very small amount of dye, like 1/4 tsp. Add more as needed. Your dress results may or may not come out exactly like your test, but at least you will have some practice. You will also need soda ash, synthropol, & ordinary table salt. You can get the first two at Dharma.
Keep in mind, dyeing is always an experiment! You must be willing to risk the dresses if you want to try this. Even I don't know how things will come out, every dye load (after hundreds) is a new story.
best,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer I have a camisole that is 97% silk, electric blue, that somehow ended up sitting next to a cloth saturated in window cleaner. You can imagine my horror when I picked up the top to find the areas where they had been touching had been bleached!
Can I just dye the whole garment with the same colour dye, or do I need to bleach out all the colour and start again??
Please help Thanks Dani
Hi Dani,
I really don't know what to do here. IF the fabric has been affected by chlorine bleach, it can't be overdyed. If the color was disturbed by another factor, you can try overdyeing with a darker blue. If you really want to salvage the piece, I suggest talking to Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com. She will be able to more accurately guarantee the results than I am able to predict.
best,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, I have a question about setting the color in a fabric so it will not bleed??? If this is white vinegar, how much and do I add to wash or rinse??? Thank you
Use a color-setting product called Retayne, available at www.dharmatrading.com.
best,
Jennifer

I have a quick question. I just bought a brand-new white cotton dress, it's plain cotton on the bottom (with a hem) and there is a fair bit of detail on the top, gathering, stitching etc (just above the waist). I was hoping to wear this to a wedding (where I will be djing, I'm not actually a guest). As I know, it's not good to wear white to a wedding so I was hoping i could dye the bottom half of the dress, blue, green or pink, preferably a soaked up kind of look... (see Gwen Stefani's wedding gown). Then I could just compliment with a similar colour ribbon around the waist.
Whats the best way of going about this? I can't find tips anywhere! Please reply, I have this function in a week!
Thanks
-Yasmin
Hi Yasmin,
Ombre dyeing, such as you suggest, is an advanced technique. If you want to experiment, I would suggest getting a length of cotton muslin & trying it out first. You can get all the supplies that you need at www.dharmatrading.com. Ask.com is a good site for searching for ombre dyeing & other information on how to dye fabric. I don't know if you are going to be able to do all this in the next week! If you are indeed in the background for th wedding, your white dress will not matter so much. Anyway, all rules are off on weddings these days.
best,
Jennifer

I have purchased some organze beaded material with lace on it for my daughter's bridal veil. However, when I got it the ivory/ivory looks white. They told me that I had to double or triple it to get the bridal ivory color. This will make the veil to heavy. Can I dye this material ivory? What type of dye would I use? Thank you Mary
Hi Mary,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. This will give you the basic info as to if dyeing is possible. Here is the link:
http://www.fabrics.net./dizzylettuce.asp.
Did you try the fabric with the dress & observe the effects in different light, across the room, etc? Sometimes the only answer is to try it in many situations. If they sold it as ivory, it will probably look ivory under the lights.
many blessings to the wedding,
Jennifer

Hi Dizzy - I belong to a group of women potters. We want to dye white cotton T-Shirts with our own red clay 'slurry/mud'(with wax resist designs on front). Some of us already own 'red clay dyed' T-shirts purchased from a pottery supplier, but we want to make our own personal/original designs. Can you pls. tell me how we 'fix' the stained cloth after it's done soaking in the hot slurry? Somewhere I read that adding a vinegar/salt solution to the slurry would help to fix the color, but I have no idea what the quantities should be. Thanks for your help! Nancy
Dear Nancy,
what a good idea! Unfortunately I can't help you too much here. My expertise is really in the use of conventional dyes & I am not an expert on chemical dye reactions. I suggest that you call the good folks at Dharma Trading Co (www.dharmatrading.com). They will consult by phone on technical matters & are really wonderful. If they don't know or can't help, you are going to have to experiment. Get some ready-to-dye tshirts from Dharma & have fun!!
Jennifer

Not sure if you have ever heard of the Athletic Wear Under Armour, but they sett a compression fitting leggings for sports and I was interested in getting a white pair of leggings dyed to match the top. The fabric is 63% Nylon, 23% Polyester and 14% Elastine. Do you know if this can be dyed by a professional? I have seen very few people on line that state that they dye Polyester, but can;t seem to get a hold of there. Please let me know if you have ever heard of anyone successfully dyeing these Under Armour Cold Gear products. Thank you
Scott
Hi Scott,
check with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com. If anyone can do it, she can. Nylon, your majority fabric here, can be dyed using a certain type of dye. The polyester & elastine content will not take dye at all. Check with Sherry for details.
Jennifer

My problem is a second hand suede jacket that I would like to clean. It is currently is very nice condition but I would like to wash it to freshen it up. My brother washed his suede jacket in his front loading washer and it came out fine, do you think I could do the same??? I would take it in to be cleaned, but the drycleaner said it had to be sent away and would cost $50, which seems crazy when I paid $5 for the coat in the first place. If I did wash it what would I treat it with after to replenish it's natural oils…. Thanks
Karen
Hi Karen,
I really don't know what to advise you here. I am not a leather expert. However, I do know that there is leather, & there is faux-leather - the latter is polyester & can be washed. Search on line for leather cleaners, both services & products. Educate yourself about different processes & about what kind of jacket you have. Then you can make an educated decision.
best,
Jennifer

I came across your web site & have a question. I bought a blue jean skirt yesterday & I am wanting to dye it black…..but I don't want it to be a real dark black. What is the best way to dye it….and should I use a black or charcoal color dye? Thanks for your help - Melissa
Hi Melissa,
if you want to experiment (all dyeing is an experiment), you can overdye it with the industrial dyes at www.dharmatrading.com. The industrial dyes are very easy to use. Keep in mind you will be adding color to both the blue and the white/unbleached parts of the denim, so you'll come out with an overdyed effect. have fun,
Jennifer

Hi
I have a lovely, good quality 80% laine wool, 20% cashmere Maxmara knee length winter coat (viscose navy lining) which I never wear because navy (ie dark) blue. What are my chances of successfully dyeing it black? A) in my washing machine? In which case how should I dry it (party in a tumble dryer - if it shrank a little it would prob still be ok size wise)? B) through a dry cleaning shop that does dying Bev
Hi Bev,
Dry cleaners don't dye anymore, & you can't do it yourself. Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 for basic info. Here's the link:
http://www.fabrics.net./dizzylettuce.asp.
You can consult with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com or another dye house, www.knitweardoctors.com, for more information.
best,
Jennifer

I collect vintage evening gowns and just purchased this amazing 1950's cream satin tea length gown with a white tulle train, it is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately the previous owner allowed it to sit for who knows how long with these orange stains, more like some type of liquid or sauce splattered on the front of it. I have attached several photos showing the stains. I am also concerned about staining the beads on the bodice if I am able to dye it. I have heard about coffee and tea staining as a gentle method of hiding stains. I hope that you can help with this. Thank you Sondra
Hi Sondra,
you are right, this dress is amazing! I also collect vintage clothes & 50s is one of my favorite eras. If this were my dress - well, a lot depends on the fiber content of the garment. Rayon can be dyed, similarly other natural fibers, including nylon. I think I would start with soaking the dress, as best you can, in oxyclean. Sometimes the age/storage stains will come out with this method.

Keep in mind that all dyeing is a warm-to-hot water process. Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101: http://www.fabrics.net./dizzylettuce.asp. This will give you basic information on the process, etc.

I am not an expert on tea dyeing, which must be done with fairly warm water. All dyeing requires agitation. I work mainly with the reactive dyes (which will work on rayon) & the acid dyes (HOT water & nylon fabric). These, plus their required chemicals, are available at www.dharmatrading.com.

write back if you have more questions!!
Jennifer

I would like to know if you can dye Egyptian-cotton sheets. They are blue/grey color. I would like to dye them white. Unfortunately I had acne cream on my skin and this discolored the sheets to a pink sort of tone. I paid $$$ and just hate looking at the discolorment. Ay suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Yes, you can dye these sheets, but not white. You can only add color to what you have there. Caveat, the stained part may take the dye differently. Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 for more info! www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp.
best,
Jennifer

I am thinking about purchasing a comforter which is 70% polyester, 30% cotton and it has the word algodon after cotton. I would very much like to know if I can wash this combination as the manufactuer label does say dry clean only, but I like to freshen items up to get rid of the "store smell". Please if you have any information on this fabric combination I would appreciate a reply. Thanks so much
I have a hand wash cycle on my energy efficient washing machine.
Miriam
Hi Miriam,
I really don't know what will happen if you wash this item marked Dry Clean Only. You will need to be willing to risk a change in the fabric. With this much polyester in the cover, I doubt if it will shrink, but it could lose the surface finish or the batting could bunch up. Bottom line, if you are willing to try it, you can see what will happen.
best,
Jennifer

I have a 100% cotton summer dress that is a floral pattern (terra cotta with green and darker pink) I would like to have this dressed dyed a darker color. Possible? If yes then how and what colour do you recommend?
If you are willing to submit the dress to a warm-water-&-agitation process, you can dye it an overall darker color with the reactive dyes available at www.dharmatrading.com. Keep in mind, you'll be adding color, & you won't come out with a solid color, just darker values of each of the colors you have there. Read my article at www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp for basics! best,
Jennifer

hello there. i am designing a dress for a project at school. the dress is going to have a range of patterns i designed myself and has an expensive look. i was wondering what fabrics would be best to look expensive (but cheap to buy) and will also either be able to print on. Also where would i be able to buy this fabric from. thank you.
You are in luck, you can find all this sort of thing at reasonable prices at www.dharmatrading.com. Once you figure out what kind of fabric you want, if Dharma doesn't have it, you can search here at the Fabrics.net store.
best,
Jennifer

My stepdaughter has some very old wooden deck chairs. They have a wood structure/frame and fabric seats and backs that were stapled to the wood. We've removed the old fabric and have repainted the chairs. I'm now looking for a suitable fabric - preferably something that would stand up well to the outdoor elements (primarily heat and sun). I've search the internet for a vendor that sells this kind of fabric, but there aren't many choices. Any ideas?
Hi Susan,
Go to a full-service furniture & design store & ask to look at the indoor/outdoor fabric books. They can order fabric for you. There are many beautiful choices! I recently did this for a client of mine.
best,
Jennifer

I am just sick, I have a outfit that appears to have bleach or some sort of spot on it. Can I spot dye? Its a running suite, It is all black, with a white strip down the leg,. I do not want to loose the white stipe
Hi Robin,
I am sorry, this can't be easily fixed. Chalk it up to laundry mistake.
best,
Jennifer

I have a glider rocker that I am going to refinish. The upholstery is removable. Since it is currently "baby blue" I would like to dye the cushions a dark blue. Can this be done successfully and what should I use?? Donna
Hi Donna,
Start over, get some new fabric & cover the cushions. This is by far your easiest & least expensive method. If you want to learn about fabric dyeing, please read my article at www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp.
best,
Jennifer

Hi There, I was wondering if you can dye another color or a close enough color on a shirt made of 90% nylon, 10% spandex? I got bleach on the new shirt. PLEASE advise. THX
This is a hard thing to fix. Once chlorine bleach has touched fabric, it can't be overdyed. There are professional services that can fix it for you. Check out www.dyeproservices.com.
best,
Jennifer

My name is Jennifer. I have a 5' X 7' Golden Shag Rug that I want to dye. First, is that possible? And, second, can you recommend someone? I am in Austin, Texas. Thanks for all your help!
Hi Jennifer,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101. This will give you the basic information to understand what you are requesting.
(www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp). Next, check out www.carpetdyeing.com. You can also consult with Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com. Depending on the fiber content of your rug, she may be able to assist you.
best,
Jennifer

I came across your website when I went onto Google asking for information about Dying jumpers. I have a wash programme on my very expensive Miele washing machine that has a hand wash woollen cycle but a number of my jumpers have developed stains on them which I cannot shift, (I have tried everything) I think these stains may be lime scale due to hard water even though I use anti lime scale powder. Other than throwing my jumpers away I thought I might try and dye them black - thinking that would be the easiest colour to use as 3 jumpers are cream/beige and one jumper white / lilac. I bought a clothes dye from my local supermarket without reading the instructions until I got home and it seems that I can't use this dye on the material of my jumpers which is -70 % rayon / 30% nylon each jumper. Are there any suggestions that you can give me for dying/camouflaging these stains so I can keep wearing my jumpers? Thankyou in advance. Lilian UK
Hi Lilian,
Very best solution would be to send them to Panny & Co (http://www.studios92.com/guide/garment_dyeing.htm) in London to have them dyed. Next best solution, go shopping at a resale shop & buy some new ones. Third, get a water softener, if you really suspect the water is the culprit. You can dye rayon with the reactive dyes (available at www.dharmatrading.com - caveat, they ship very few places outside the U.S.), but black is hard to get in any event. Sorry, it's not a simple solution here!
best,
Jennifer

 

You can ask Jennifer questions at dizzylettuce@Fabrics.net.

Jennifer Thompson Miller: I love my work in beautiful textiles, color, trim, and design! I am a devoted student of fashion history and love vintage and vintage-inspired looks. For many years, my main focus was fashion sewing, using natural fibers in beautiful colors. In recent years, much to my delight, I have learned color mixing and silk dyeing. This has added a vibrant, versatile dimension to my fashion design.

I learned design and needlework from my mother and grandmother, and I am very grateful for their inspiration and instruction. Some of my earliest memories are spending time in the fabric store, while my mother designed and picked out fabrics for glamorous outfits. From the age of ten, my mother and other fashion-conscious ladies would ask my opinions on fabrics that they were combining.

About Dizzylettuce

Dizzylettuce is a line of unique, creative, beautiful, and luxurious silk accessories - triangles, rectangles, and circles - that can be worn as shawl, wrap, waist and hip wrap, sash, exciting ensemble layer, and suit or coat accessory.

Take a look at the latest Dizzylettuce styles & colors at www.dizzylettuce.com.

You can contact me at 512 837 4063 or here at dizzylettuce@fabrics.net.

If you love beautiful colors, luxurious textures, rich and interesting trim accents, the creation of a unique fashion look, and beautiful clothes - you will love Dizzylettuce!

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The "dizzylettuce" Column is an opinion Column and may or may not reflect the views of Fabrics.net.