Fabric Dyeing Questions

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March Questions

what is the easyest why too dye sheer curtins black?
Hi Chris,
This can't be easily done, but you can check into it. Start by reading my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 at http://www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp.
best,
Jennifer

Good afternoon Jennifer. I am thinking of buying three dresses I intend to use as bridesmaid dresses. They are currently charcoal in color and I would like them to be chocolate after everything is said and done. The dresses themselves are made of 50% polyester and 50% rayon. Do you think this can be done and look good? I attached a copy of the dress so you can see what I would be working with. Thank you in advance! Selina
Hi Selina,
Sorry, you can't change the color of the lovely dresses. Keep looking for the exact dress you want!
blessings to the wedding!
Jennifer

I have a beautiful ivory linen suit which, through time, perspiration and cosmetics, has become stained around the neckline of the jacket. Is there anything I can do to either remove the color or, perhaps, dye the entire suit - jacket and slacks? I have been unable to wear this suit for several years because of the staining and would LOVE to be able to have use of it again. Sincerely, Jan
Hi Jan,
I really don't know what will help, if the dry cleaners say there's nothing they can do.
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
I've gotten bleach on a black raincoat (100% polyester). Can you recommend a dyeing service in New York City? Do you think the spots can become invisible? Thank you in advance for your help. Yours truly.....Norma
Hi Norma, I am sorry, this can't be fixed. Time to go shopping.
best,
Jennifer

I have a bright pink (fuschia) linen suit that was exposed to bleach in a small spot. I am going to try to dye the suit navy blue. Is Rit dye a suitable choice or is there a better dye available for this purpose? Also, should any particular steps be taken to aid in a successful project? Lynne
Hi Lynne,
This is very difficult to do. Start by reading my article on Fabric Dyeing 101, http://www.fabrics.net/DizzyLettuceArticle.asp. Keep in mind that the lining, thread, and any zippers will remain their current color. If you still want to proceed, I suggest that you contact Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com & see if she can do it.
best,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer
I have a denim skirt that is pieced with a cotton jacquard, I'm interested in dyeing the denim a dark indigo to get rid of the light shades of sandblasting, but leaving the pieced cotton fabric as is. Is this possible to dye just a section of the skirt?
Many thanks
Marrissa
Hi Marrissa,
well, this is possible, but it's definitely an advanced dyeing lesson. Traditionally, setting off one color from another is done with a resist, such as wax in a batik design. Get a copy of the catalog from www.dharmatrading.com & study all their products having to do with painting on dye, resists, etc. Write back if you have more questions. While I am not an expert on this sort of dyeing, I can tell you a few things as you proceed.
have fun!
Jennifer

I have a Black Duluth pack portfolio with brown leather trim. The canvas has faded to a grey and I want ot dye it black. DO yo know of a dye (like a shoe polish liquid w/ sponge) that would work on something like this? I have some black canvas chairs that I dyed many years ago and it was just for canvas, looked like a plastic bottle with a sponge on the end that you might dye tennis shoes with. Hey would canvas tennis shoe dye work? I love this portfolio and hate to spend $150 to get another. I contacted the company and of course they didn't know of anything. ALl theye want to do is to sell you a new one Snowbound in N.Wisconsin Jody
Hi Jody,
well, it all depends on the fiber content of the canvas. Polyester or synthetic canvas cannot be dyed. If it's cotton, you could try the tennis shoe dye. You must be willing to experiment here - it's not possible to know in advance how it will come out. I am not familiar with this product, so let me know how it works!
best,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
I have just visited your website and have a question for you. I have a grey 65% wool, 35% silk, high quailty long sleeved top. I would like to dye it black, and was wondering how best to go about it? Would the dye seriously damage the fabric? Thanks,
Anna
Hi Anna,
start by reading my article on Fabric Dyeing 101, www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp. While black is a hard color to obtain, you could try it with the acid dyes, on the stove, if you are willing to experiment.
best,
Jennifer

Diz: Two questions:
1. I have a metal porch swing (which I love) that is structurally sound however the canopy and seat pad are bleached out. Can I dye this material without causing shrinkage? If so how to do? 2. I have a metal arbor with a seat and I need a cushion for it however I cannot find anything that is 58" wide. What type of weather resistant material can I look for? I will take the cushion in during winter and it will only receive light sprinkles from the hose during summer. Much obliged for your time. Hawk
Hi Hawk,
1. Get new canopy & cushion cover. Have these made at an upholsterer's establishment if they are not standard size.
2. Outdoor fabric is generally 58-60" wide. You can find it at your local fabric store, or else go to a full-service furniture & design store & ask to look at their outdoor fabric books. They can order the fabric for you.
3. If you want plain cotton duck, you can get it at www.dharmatrading.com.
have fun!
Jennifer

Do you know if the fabric cellular blinds can be spray painted with fabric spray paint?
Dave
Hi Dave,
I really don't know, but you could try it! You could also try getting a similar fabric swatch at Joanne or a similar crafts store & try it from there.
best,
Jennifer

Hello, I have an ivory dress that is made of poly charmeuse and acetate tafftea (I believe it's spelled taffeta, but it is spelled otherwise on the tag). Can I wash this dress in the washer in cold water and a gentle detergent like Woolite? The tag reads Dry Clean Only howevr, since the dress has beading I was advised not to dry clean it since the heat could melt the beads that are glued on. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Satoya,
IF you want to risk possible change in the fabrics, you could wash by hand. Keep in mind this is an experiment. Otherwise you are stuck. Sorry.
Jennifer

Hi, I just purchased a Gazebo wall made out of Canvas. The only color it came in was Beige and my Gazebo roof is Grey and I wanted to match it up. I was wondering if I could dye it with either black or grey, but not sure if the canvas would take?? If not can you bleach Canvas to lighten the beige color?? Thanks! Marianne
Marianne,
please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 before you do anything. www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp. In a nutshell - it depends on the fiber content of the canvas. If it is synthetic, like polyester or nylon or a blend, the color can't be changed.
sorry,
Jennifer

Hey Miss Jennifer, I have a work in progress costume for an upcoming expo. Around the thigh area of the dress is a pink to purple color change. The fabric will be pink and we'll dye it purple. I've thought of using a deep purple spray dye, or maybe soaking half of it in the purple dye. What method should I use to obtain that wonderful color blend/fade?
Hi Brittney;
goodness! what a costume!
Please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 before anything else. (www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp) It really all depends on the fiber content of the fabric. If it is possible to do, you may have to send this to a professional dye house to get the effect that you want. This is an advanced lesson, unless you want to learn airbrush techniques.
best,
Jennifer

I want to "tint" some beige sheets -- I remember my mom doing lace tablecloths in the washing machine How do I do it??
Hi Dorray,
1. Check out Dharma Trading Co (www.dharmatrading.com) for fabric dyeing supplies & instructions.
2. Read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 (www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp)
3. Search at ask.com for fabric dyeing to see tips people have listed.
4. Remember, you will be adding color to what you have there, you can't go lighter.
have fun!
Jennifer

Do you know where I send a dress to have it professionally dyed? THe dress is 63% polyester and 37% nylon. Thank You, April
Hi April,
this dress can't be dyed, sorry.
Jennifer

Hello Jennifer,I am wondering what success I would have in tea staining a 70" x 78" red WHITE and blue quilt, and if possible, what would I need to do it? (How many teabags, size tub to accomodate project, etc.) Must I use something to set the staining for future washing? And if this is not advisable, any other suggestions? Thank you very much for your time. Sincerely, Denise
Hi Denise,
I can't really tell you exactly what to expect, so you are going to have to set up an experiment. Search for tea dyeing on ask.com, then get some muslin approximately the same color as the white in the quilt & try tea dyeing. See if you like the color. Dye a corner of the quilt & see what happens. Soak & wash with oxyclean if you don't like it. have fun!
Here's a good site to check out,
http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/teadye.htm
Jennifer

I am contemplating purchasing an expensive designer dress made of acetate to wear for my daughters wedding. It is an outdoor wedding in June and I will have small grandchildren in attendance. i was told by the saleslady it would not withstand water stains and even drycleanin would not remove damage. I am worried about the possibility of rain and of course damp sticky stains from little ones. I am not familiar with this fabric. Would I be looking at a one time only wear if it got rain drops or unfortunate spills ? Also what about perspiration stains? thanks for your advice. Nancy
Hi Nancy,
yes, you are right, acetate will water-spot & it can't be easily cleaned, especially if it is acetate taffeta (which is my guess, a shiny, semi-stiff dressy fabric). But if you absolutely love it & are willing to risk it to be a one-time wearing, it will be perfect! If not, keep looking. A better alternative might be a dress with a lace overlay, a darker color, or maybe silk chiffon. Ask all your friends about this challenge as you contemplate dresses. the bottom line, however, is what you feel the most gorgeous in!!
wedding blessings,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, I have just bought a 100% silk dress. It was accidentally washed in the machine. It is black on the edges and white in the middle with a large black butterfly imprinted in the white. The black has run into the white. Is there anything I can do to remove the black dye that has run?
I am sorry, there's nothing to be done about this. Chalk it up to laundry mistake. Or else wear it & let people assume it's supposed to be like that.
best,
Jennifer

Hi, I was wondering if it would turn out if I tried to dye burgandy 100% cotton tab curtains dark brown.
Dear Mona,
well, I don't know, but you could try it. Keep in mind that you will be adding color, so you're likely to come out with a dark reddish brown. Dark brown is a hard color to get, you may need to use extra dye or put it through two dye processes. Try one of the permanent dyes available at Michael's or Jo-Ann (rather than Rit, which is not dark or saturated), or the reactive dyes available at www.dharmatrading.com. Read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 before you start! (www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp).
have fun,
Jennifer

I have two sweaters made of acrylic/wool yarn which I would like to have dyed. They are currently a varigated green/beige colour and I would like to have them dyed a dark colour (say, charcoal or black). Is this possible? Who would be able to do this type of work?
Thanks very much for your help.
Sabina
Sabina,
you can inquire at www.dyeproservices.com in Alberta. They will advise you as to the possibility of dyeing. FYI, if the fiber content is more than 50% acrylic, they can't be satisfactorily dyed. Anything less than 50% will take the dye at a reduced saturation, so you probably won't be able to get a dark black.
best,
Jennifer

Hi!
I have a cashmere sweater that is a very intense yellow. Could I soften it a bit by adding bleach when I hand wash it?
Thanks,
Clare
Hi Clare,
I am so glad that you wrote to me before you tried this, & I hope that you will be too. Don't try this, you will ruin your sweater.
best,
Jennifer

OK im going to start out by saying i am despert.I bought a brand new white hat with a black new york sing on it.i got some dirt on it and tryed to use bleach to get it out.but that made it this crapy yellow color.then i tried useing this sort of white clotheing stuff and that didnt match.can u pzz help me out.
I am sorry, you have made a mess here. Best thing I can suggest is to make an art piece out of it with fabric paint. There are some interesting paints & dyes at JoAnn & Michaels!
have fun,
Jennifer

is this possible? i have a 60' round 1" shag rug that is a light oatmeal color and i would like it to be amethyst or eggplant. is it possible to dye this rug like in a small kiddie pool or something? thank you shelley
Hi Shelley,
this can be done, but you can't do it yourself. Look at www.carpetdyeing.com for more info. Olefin is a synthetic fiber which will not take fabric dye.
best,
Jennifer

Hello Jennifer, I've been reading your article at fabrics.net and was hoping you could clarify some things for me about my hopeful project. I just bought a 3/4 length corduroy coat on eBay. It's cotton and cream colored. I was hoping to dye it an emerald to grass shade of green, but even a darker shade would be acceptable. Is it possible for me to use the reactive procion dyes from Dharma to do this myself, or do I have to send the coat away? The tag says it is washable, and I'm willing to live with cream colored lining and thread:) Also, because I'm a complete rookie, are the products listed on this page: http://www.maiwa.com/stores/supply/dyes_pro_mx.html comparable to those at Dharma? I'm hopeful because they are a Canadian supplier. Thank you for your time.
Hi Amber,
Well, you could try it! Keep in mind that you will be adding color to the cream that you have there, & that the thread will remain its current color. I really doubt if you will be able to get emerald - but you might be able to get a medium green, more like summer grass color. The reactive dyes from Maiwa are the same as those at Dharma, but Dharma (& also Prochemical) has many, many more color choices. You can try it yourself if you are willing to risk it & IF it will fit easily & loosely in your washing machine. If you want to consult with a dye service, contact www.dyeproservices.com about sending it to them - they are located in Alberta.
best!
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
I am a Costume Craftsperson/Dyer for a theatre and I have a question regarding ombre dyeing circular skirts. The draper and I have come upon the time vs. result questions that plagues most theatres. We are trying to decide if we need to allow the circular (and therefore bias) silk chiffon skirt to hang out before they are ombre dyed. I've already dyed the base fabric and we are debating if it is necessary to allow the skirts to grow before re-wetting and ombre dyeing or if the act of re-wetting will negate the hanging out. What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
Katie
Katie,
Rewetting & dyeing will take care of the hanging issue. You will need to check the hems at the end of the whole process no matter how you let things hang now. I personally don't do much hanging with a circular skirt, only one cut on the bias in a straight shape. With a circular skirt you can expect some hem variations anyway.
Break a leg,
best,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer, I would like to dye some silk drapes that are a cream/yellow color to a chocolate brown. I have 6 drapes and they are about 90 inches long. Do you think I should do it myself or find a professional, or just buy new drapes. Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
First, please read my article on Fabric Dyeing 101 (www.fabrics.net/dizzylettuce.asp). In theory, you can dye these drapes to a chocolate, but they may shrink & loose some of their sheen & body (especially if they are taffeta or dupioni, which are some kinds of silk that is common in draperies). If you want to proceed, I would suggest that you send htem to Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com. She can get them all in one dyelot & make the result even & saturated.
best,
Jennifer

Hi, I have a Pottery Barn Cranberry Matelasse Sofa Slipcover that's faded. I believe it's made of cotton. Can I spruce up the color with Rit dye or another manufacturer? How much will I need? It weighs about 12 pounds. Thanks for your help! Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
if the cover is indeed all cotton, it can be overdyed. I suggest sending it to Sherry at www.fabricdyeing.com. She can dye a large item like this & get it saturated & even.
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.