Summer Fun – Dyeing Your Own Fabric

I prefer to dye my own fabric in the summer – there’s something about hauling plain white fabric outside and with the magic of chemistry, ending up with something completely different.

And besides, dyeing fabric is messy!

I’d much rather end up with a little extra dye and water on my lawn than in my bathtub…

My favorite method of dyeing fabric is a low water immersion process.  I stuff my fabric into heavy-duty plastic bags, dribble the dyes on top and let them brew.  You can end up with some amazing colors and patterns that way.

I’ve also soaked my fabric in the setting solution (whatever kind is required for your dye) and then sprinkled the dye powder on top.  The dye “blooms” onto the fabric and turns into streaky polka-dots.

Here’s a basic tie-dyeing method using knots, thread and marbles to act as resists.  The areas that are knotted will stay white, or whatever color your base fabric is.

Remember that dye powders are not good things to breathe, so use the appropriate safety precautions!

image: C Findlay-Harder