Dying Cotton

I don't live in the States, so ordering them over the Net isn't an option. Besides, I don't think that the common brands are so available here.

I would greatly appreciate an answer... thanks! =]

Where are you located? You can buy good fiber reactive dyes in many countries around the world. I know of good sources in the UK, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Germany. Most of these companies will ship internationally, as well. Some hand-dyers in countries such as Israel find it most economical to order their dyes from PRO Chemical & Dye in the US, in spite of the cost of shipping.

In other countries, do a web search to find a local representative of a major dye company such as Dystar, or Huntsman Textile Effects, then ask them to give you contact information for a local seller of their dyes.

The best dyes for tie-dyeing are fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX dye, Remazol dye, Novacron dye (formerly Cibacron F), Levafix dye, and Drimarene K dye.

2008-05-23 07:03:24 by Gabriella R

K Barry Sharpless, 2001 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, is the featured speaker at the NIST Colloquium, December 15 ...

I am gonna dye some fabric for my sewing assignment, from light blue to a dark/navy blue. But definately to a darker colour even if i don't go navy blue.

Any tips on how it should be done? Do i need to prewash it or soak it etc?

Thanks!
Sorry Chuck T, its already been cut and everything. I'll remember that for next time I choose a fabric though

There will be instructions on the dye package. Every fall I dye all my black clothing to keep it from fading (I like black!) and here are my own tips:

1. Use more dye than the package suggests. In fact, the package itself should recommend doubling the dye amount for dark colors.
2. Cotton dyes better than other fabrics. Some fabrics, such as rayon, don't dye at all.
3. Use the recommended amount of salt in your dyeing water. The package will tell you this.
4. Use the hottest water possible. If your cotton is warm-water-only, use warm water. Hot water will shrink it!
5. Use the longest washing cycle on your machine before you let it spin for the first time. Use the longest washing cycle two or three times.
6. When you finish, you will have to run your washer with hot water and bleach. The inside will be stained. This stain should not be permanent.
7. Wash dyed clothes by themselves in cold water. They will lose some of their dyed color. You may have to re-dye the garment after a period of time.

2007-07-24 05:22:00 by epitome_ofsweet_misery

Price: $23.75 $14.67

I've learned that cotton shirts are not easily dyed with food coloring or kool aide, however, I just need these shirts to last a couple hours for a retro/hippie birthday party next week. Has anyone used food coloring or kool aide to dye a cotton shirt? If so, were your results good enough to wear for a couple hours? Thanks!!!

No i didnt but i seen people doing it for a 60 dance or a party.
My friend has done it and it turn out good!!

2008-11-22 08:27:36 by Its just me <3

I have a light jacket that's 97% cotton, and fits like a glove. But it's an ugly beige. Can I dye it effectively/safely? What should I use? I really want to change the colour, ideally to something darker, like a light brown.
The other 3% is "elastane". The jacket is very light, and feels kind of like a stiff men's dress shirt. I'm not even sure what colour I want it, but I know I do not want it this colour. So Rit sounds good! Thanks. I hope it's available in Canada.

You said that it's 97% cotton. What's the other 3%? Most cottons take the dye but because your jacket isn't 100% cotton, I'm not sure if it would. Try the Rit dye that you can find at most convenient stores. Follow the directions carefully so you don't end up getting blotches of color. Good luck!

2009-06-04 08:37:34 by flint724

I was wondering if kits from a craft store would be okay or if i should invest in specific dyes from dharma trading co or whatever its called.
but then i need to buy the ash stuff and i'm just confused on what product i should buy.

I'd use Procion MX most likely. Rit and Tintex wash out (and produce rather pale results in comparison with Procion). Yes, Dharma is a good source of dyes of a wide variety, and of dyeing information. No, it's not the only source of Procion MX. If you're going to do it, do it right and get good results.

http://www.dharmatrading.com is one source.. there are many. You may also find a dye or paint more suitable for your project when you start investigating other dyes.

2008-12-13 20:27:44 by julie