Chigger Holler Quilter

Fabric Dyeing!
I'm wondering how many of you dye your own fabrics and what methods you use. I would love to learn how, but would like to learn about different methods...so hoping you'd like to share what works best for you! Thanks yards! (maybe you can post pictures of yours fabs! I'm sure we'd all like to see them. :)
What an awesome way to add special fabs to your stash!

Rebecca VLQ

Fiber-reactive dye is the way to go. Seriously. After you get the excess dye out from the process, they will not bleed or fade unlike something like "RIT" and other grocery-store type dyes.

Candace

I just took a class and spent a full day doing it. My results...very good, but not necessarily fabric I would have purchased or used. Great experience and I'd do it again, but I think I'd have to have a specific project in mind before hand.

GrannieAnnie

My first attempt a few years ago was a bust. But I'd still like to learn and then do it right.

GrannieAnnie

Can you give us more info on FIBER REACTIVE DYE?

Thanks a million.

Rebecca VLQ

Fiber reactive dye actually chemically changes the cotton molecules, so the dye is a permanent attachement to the cellulose chain. RIT and the like only rest on top of the cotton molecules, like when you get a stain on your shirt.

Dharma Trading Company has the best prices and customer service online. I would suggest using them for purchases. If you go to a REAL art store (not Michaels, Joanne's, etc) you may be able to find fiber reactive dye there. I found it at a local mom n'pop art store here, different brand but still fiber reactive.

Don't skimp on dye. Use the directions they give you. There has to be enough free dye molecules that can find their way to your fabric to create the saturation you want.

Same with water. Water is the vehicle for the dye to get to your fabric. So, keep it covered while it's curing. By the same token, do not make it too wet because guess what? If the dye molecules drip away from the fabric and make a puddle in your bucket, they're not actually dyeing anything right? :D

And, be prepared for some ugly stuff to come out. And also some surprisingly beautiful stuff. I like the discovery part the best.

And, wear gloves. (do as I say, not as I do)

ckcowl

visit Dharma Trading Company= not only do they carry all the supplies you need but also have lots and lots of free information- tutorials- instruction.
you can even learn to make your own batiks through them
i've been dying fabrics for about 15 years- and i love Dharma trading
the beginners kits are a very economical way to get started- give it a try.

lllog

We have sold a lot of muslin 108" & 120" backing lately to ladies who couldn't find the color backing they wanted an decided to dye their own.

Lanny

MsEithne

Me! Me!

And yeah, you'll add to your stash all right. Every single time I dye something, 10 more ideas immediately pop into my head to try, varying the time, the chemicals, the bath, the actual dyes used, etc, etc, etc.

I use fibre reactive Procion MX dyes; they have a good safety record and they are easy enough for kids to use successfully (under supervision).

I prefer low water immersion dyeing to conserve on chemicals and dye (the water savings are minimal at best but I don't live in a dry area). I like the variations and mottles that I get with LWI.

One "secret" of dyeing is that most fabrics can be overdyed 4-6 times before all the fibre dye receptor sites are used up. Some of my best fabrics have happened after I absolutely hated the first results and decided to overdye, one or more times.

And then if you add fabric markers, you can make an incredible array of unique fabrics.

You know you're addicted when it seems normal to buy fabric by the bolt (30-50 yards per bolt) for dyeing. And when it seems completely normal to buy 100+ yards at a time for the best price.

You know you're hopeless when you get together with a couple friends who dye so you can make a 2000+ yard order.

GrannieAnnie

Thanks for the info, Ladies. I'll keep that in mind if I do decide to try dying again.