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What tips for dyeing larger pieces of

silk fabric  ?

Many of our customers have graduated to new dyeing heights, that of dyeing larger pieces of silk fabric. The following information outlines helpful procedures for that type of dyeing with the ‘Colorhue’ instant set silk dyes.

Please be advised if you wish to dye larger pieces of silk, you should have some previous experience with the ‘Colorhue’ dyes since they have a unique personality that will be different than other types of dyes.

The first rule of thumb in dyeing fabrics: As amateur dyers we do not have the professional equipment, dye experience nor the ‘quality control’ needed for dyeing a piece of fabric perfectly even. If you need that tyep of fabric I suggest you purchase fabric, commercially dyed.

Fabric Preparation and Dye Equipment

Important fact: As you are dip dyeing larger pieces of fabric, the tub or container used to do the dyeing must have a large bottom radius, in order to move that fabric around in the dye bath. As an example—dyeing a 4-5 yard piece of fabric requires a container the size of a bath tub and enough dye bath to cover the entire project.

Pre-wash the fabric for possible shrinkage and to remove any fabric finishes. Before dyeing, cut the fabric into the pieces the approximate sizes that are needed for your particular project. As an example-- if dyeing 3-4 yards of fabric for a blouse, first cut out the pattern pieces in squares or rectangles a few inches larger than the separate front, back and sleeve pieces indicated in the pattern.

Or if dyeing pieces for a quilt, cut the larger yardage into to smaller pieces for easier handling (even long strips of fabric are easier to handle than long volumes of yardage).

With these smaller pieces, it is now possible to use a smaller vessel (a baby bath tub) to do the entire dye project. This will eliminate the job a wrestling with larger piece of wet fabric.

Making a 'Mother Batch' of dye

It is imperative to experiment dyeing with the same fabric, utilized for the project. Once you have chosen the color (or the mixture of colors) you wish, expect to mix a llarge amount of the dye (dependent upon on the amount of fabric to be dyed). This will be known as the 'mother batch' and it must be sufficient for the entire dyeing process. As you progress through the 'batch dyeing' you will have to replentish the depleted dye with more of that ' mother batch'.

As an example: Dyeing the blouse pattern pieces (a few at a time)

First, dye the two sleeve pieces together until you get the desired color. Second, add more of the ‘mother batch’ and dye the blouse back. Finally, add more dye from the ‘mother batch’ and color the blouse fronts.

It is advisable to pre-soak the silk pieces in clear water until the silk fibers are well saturated. Into the dye container, place enough dye from the ‘mother batch’ to cover the fabric pieces to be colored. Immediately immerse all portions of the pre-soaked fabric in the dye bath. Continue to rotate and stir the fabrics in the dye bath until the right color has been achieved.

Attempt to match the colors of the various dye batches when the fabrics are wet. There will not be perfect matches to the various dye batches, but close enough in color value that it isn’t noticeable.

It is always advisable to start dyeing the pieces lighter colors and add more color if needed. (The dye colors can always be added but impossible to lighten once dyed). The llonger the silk fibers are left in the dye, the more of that color will be absorbed. This dip dyeing procedure should give a pretty even dyeing result as long as you have continued to rotate and move the pieces in the dye bath. Dry a portion of the dyed piece by ironing to determine the true color. (Wet silk fibers will be twice as dark as the dyed pieces).

We suggest a final overdye (all at one time)of all the pieces(all at one time) with a llighter color of dye. The final over dye helps to compliment and coordinate the coloration of the already dyed fabric, lends a gorgeous patina and trasnparency to the silks, that is very satisfying to the eye. It is recommended that you experiment with various colors for this over dyeing process, before over dyeing the entire project.

Dye Variation Techniques

Crowding the silk fabrics in the dye bath, various fabric crunch methods and any creasing or pleating of the fabrics will give color patterning to the silks. The dyes will seek the creases and do all the work for you. Experiement with those scrapes before attempting these process variations.

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TIRE Silk Threads

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Bonded Silk Batting

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