The Sewing Place

Using fabric dye

LouiseS

Using fabric dye
« on: February 21, 2020, 08:28:06 AM »
I have a long summer dress that I’m planning to shorten to midi length and I also would like to dye it a darker colour. My problem is that this dress says dry clean only. Anyone tried this before?

Efemera

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2020, 08:36:43 AM »
Lots of things say dry clean when they are washable.... what is the dress made of?

LouiseS

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2020, 08:50:02 AM »
It says nylon. I’ve not tried washing it yet. I bought it in a sale as it fitted well and has lovely details but it’s too long and colour is too pale. Would like to wear it on holiday if the dye idea works!

Efemera

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2020, 08:59:32 AM »
Nylon would wash OK but you will have to buy a dye specifically for Nylon.

LouiseS

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2020, 09:26:37 AM »
Thank you for your help. I will have a look for some and decide on a colour.

BrendaP

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2020, 09:53:59 AM »
You definitely need a dye suitable for synthetics.  Nylon is polyamide.

https://craftandleisure.com/best-fabric-dye-564/

https://www.thedyeshop.co.uk/






[Just tweaked second link - Acorn]
« Last Edit: February 21, 2020, 10:06:51 AM by Acorn »
Brenda.  My machines are: Corona, a 1953 Singer 201K-3, Caroline, a 1940 Singer 201K-3, Thirza, 1949 Singer 221K, Azilia, 1957 Singer 201K-MK2 and Vera, a Husqvarna 350 SewEasy about 20 years old. Also Bernina 1150 overlocker and Elna 444 Coverstitcher.
http://paternoster.orpheusweb.co.

charlotte

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2020, 11:05:04 AM »
Nylon is similar to animal fibre in terms of dying. You can use dyes for polyester on it, but I think acid dyes, like you would use on wool would be better. 'All purpose' dyes like the dylon machine one will not work.

I think that food colouring and kool aid also work, again like they do on wool. I think you need vinegar to set the dye. I've not tried it myself, but I know some wool-dyers, and we had a conversation about sock yarn with nylon in it for strength, which takes the dye the same as wool.

Whatever you use, you need heat to set the dye, so I suppose there might be a risk of damaging the dress there.

dolcevita

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2020, 17:36:46 PM »
I've used Rit dyes for polyamide before - they have a good colour range and are very effective.

Renegade Sewist

Re: Using fabric dye
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2020, 21:15:47 PM »
Keep in mind that thread is likely polyester and any trims are who knows what, so they often take the dye differently. Sometimes the effect is lovely. Other times, not so much.

I've laundered lots of clothes labeled dry clean only. It's always a gamble but fun.
Hey Bill! Read the manual!  Hehehe.