Fabric Dyeing: Techniques Made Easier Than Ever

Are you looking to try fabric dyeing?

If yes, then you have come to the right place.

Here at MWS, we are experts in the fabric dyeing process and offer a wide range of high-quality fabric dyes that are suitable for many different fabrics.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about dyeing clothes and other materials. Plus, how you can choose the right fabric dyes for your next project.

Fabric Dyeing with iDye Natural

If you are concerned with using harsh chemicals to tie-dye, then iDye Natural is the perfect dye solution for you.

iDye comes in an easy-to-use dissolvable packet which can help to manage the handling of messy stains when tie-dyeing clothes and other fabric items. It is also a hot water dye product which means it provides bright and vibrant colors that promise to stand out and last for longer.

Some of the different types of fabrics that you can use iDye on include:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Canvas
• Silk
• Rayon

It can also be used to tie-dye blended fabrics and revive faded clothes and previously dyed fabrics.

How to use iDye Natural

As mentioned above, iDye is super simple to use, and you only need a few basic supplies to get started.

Using a stovetop to dye fabric: What you’ll need

• A stainless steel or enamel pot
• Your iDye packet
• Non-iodized salt for cotton, linen, and rayon
• White vinegar for silk

How to dye fabric using the stovetop method:

1. Fill your pot with enough warm water for your chosen garment to move freely in.
2. Place on the stove and turn the heat to medium.
3. Add the iDye soluble dye pack and stir until it has fully dissolved.
4. For cotton, linen, and rayon, dissolve one cup of iodized salt in a cup of hot water and add to the pot.
5. For silk, add 1/3 cup of white vinegar to the pot. Avoid pouring this directly onto the garment.
6. Add your pre-wetted fabric and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
7. Maintain this simmer for 30 minutes and stir frequently.
8. Turn off the heat and remove the garment.
9. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in cool water and dry.

How to use a top load washer for fabric dyeing:

1. Fill your washing machine with enough water to allow the garment to move freely around.
2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet and agitate for 30 seconds or until the packet has completely dissolved.
3. For cotton, linen, and rayon, add one cup of iodized salt.
4. For silk, add one cup of white vinegar.
5. Add your pre-wetted garment or fabric to the machine.
6. Extend the dyeing time by resetting the washing cycle before the rinse cycle begins.
7. If you want a darker color, then you need a longer dyeing time.
8. Allow the cycle to finish, and then remove the item.
9. Wash the item with a mild detergent and allow it to air dry.

How to use a front load washer:

1. Dissolve the iDye packet in two cups of hot water.
2. For cotton, linen, and rayon, add one cup of iodized salt to one quart of hot water.
3. For silk, use 1/3 cup of white vinegar.
4. Pour the dissolved iDye solution and salt or vinegar into the bottom of the appliance.

Dyeing Tip:

For front loading machines with a prewash flush, add the dye between the flush and wash cycles.

Fabric Dyeing with iDye Poly

If you are looking to tie-dye a polyester garment, then you need to use iDye Poly. This is specially formulated to dye polyester but can also be used to tie-dye a number of other synthetic items, including:

• Nylons
• Plastics
• Toys
• Wigs
• Dolls
• Buttons
• 3D printed objects

iDye Poly comes in the same form as iDye Natural (in a dissolvable packet) and can be easily added to water to commence the dyeing process.

If you are into cosplay or you work in the props business, then iDye Poly is a must-have. It offers one of the easiest and most effective ways to dye synthetic items.

How to Use iDye Poly

Dyeing polyester is a little trickier than tie-dyeing other fabrics, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. However, unlike with iDye Natural, there is only one dyeing method that is effective.

How to use iDye Poly using a stovetop

You will need:

•   A stainless steel or enamel pot
•   An iDye Poly dissolvable dye packet
•   Your chosen item

How to do:

1. Fill the pot with enough water that it covers the fabric and allow it to move freely.
2. Turn the heat onto high.
3. Add the iDye Poly soluble dye packet – stir until dissolved.
4. Pre-wet your garment and add it to the pot.
5. Bring the water to a boil and then allow to simmer for half an hour to an hour.
6. Make sure that you stir continuously.
7. Wash the garment with a mild detergent and allow it to air dry.

Our Top Tips for Fabric Dyeing

If you are new to the art of tie-dye or you have tried dyeing clothes in the past with less than desirable results, then the below top tips and techniques should help you.

• If your fabric item is brand new, always wash it first before attempting to tie-dye.
• If creating custom colors, test the color with a paper towel first
• Always wash dyed fabrics on their own for several washes after you have tie-dyed.
• Choose the right dye for the intended fabric.
• Double the dye if you want a deeper color.
• Soak your dyed item in an iDye fixative solution to enhance the color and reduce the risk of color bleeding.
• Always wear rubber gloves when dyeing clothes to protect your hands and avoid stains.
• Make sure that the dissolvable dye has completely dissolved before adding your garment.

Browse our full range of iDye fabric dyes here and enjoy mess-free, long-lasting, and vibrant tie-dyed clothing and fabrics.