Fabric Dyeing is Easier than Ever

Whether you are new to dyeing or very experienced, you may be most familiar with traditional dye products. At MWS we love having lots of options available for our customers. One of those great options is iDye from Jacquard. Fabric dyeing is easier than ever with iDye.

Fabric Dyeing Is Easier Than Ever: iDye Natural

iDye comes in a dissolvable packet, so there are never any messy powders or liquids to handle. You simply dissolve the packet in the stovetop dye bath or drop it in the washer, then add the fabric. iDye is a hot water dye that produces brilliant colors on any natural fabric.

iDye is ideal for dyeing solid uniform colors on cotton, linen, canvas, silk, rayon, and more. It is also great for over-dyeing techniques and reviving faded fabrics in under an hour with no mess. Even your hands don’t get dirty.

Fabric Dyeing is Easier than Ever: How To Use iDye

Stovetop method 

Note: utensils and pot used for dyeing should not be used for food. 

1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with enough warm water for the fabric to move freely. Turn heat on medium. 
2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet to water and stir until fully dissolved. 
3. For cotton, linen, and rayon dissolve one cup of non-iodized salt in a little hot water and add to the dye bath. 

For silk add ⅓ cup of white vinegar instead of salt. Avoid pouring directly onto fabric. 

4. Add pre-wetted fabric and raise temperature to a simmer, just below boiling (185° F). 
5. Maintain simmer and stir frequently for ½ hour. 
6. Turn off heat and remove fabric from the dye bath. 
7. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in cool water and dry. 

 

Top Load Washer Method

1. Fill washing machine with just enough hot water for the fabric to move freely. 
2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet. Agitate for 30 seconds or longer until the packet is dissolved. 
3. For cotton, linen, and rayon add one cup of non-iodized salt. 

For silk add ⅓ cup of white vinegar. 

4. Add pre-wetted fabric. 
5. Extend the dyeing time by resetting the wash cycle before the rinse cycle begins. The longer the dyeing time, the darker the color and better the fixation. We recommend 50 to 60 minutes of dyeing time. 
6. Allow the cycle to complete. 
7. Wash the garment with a mild detergent in cold water and dry.

Front Load Washer Method: 

1. Dissolve the iDye soluble dye packet in approximately two cups of hot water.  For cotton, linen, and rayon dissolve one cup of non-iodized salt in approximately one quart of hot water.  If you are dyeing silk, then you will use a 1/3 cup of white vinegar instead of non-iodized salt. 

Note: For front loading machines with a pre-wash flush, add the dye between the flush and wash cycles. 

2. Pour the dissolved iDye and dissolved non-iodized salt or vinegar into the bottom of the washing machine tub.

Fabric Dyeing Is Easier Than Ever: iDye Poly

iDye Poly is virtually the only dye that will color polyester. In fact, it will color almost anything synthetic, including plastics and nylons, buttons, frisbee discs, Worbla & Thibra, 3D printed objects, toys, dolls, wigs, cleats, urethane coatings and more. Just like the iDye for natural fabrics, iDye Poly comes in a dissolvable packet. Simply drop the packet in a pot of water, add the fabric or objects and bring them to a simmer. iDye Poly is an essential tool for cosplay artists, prop builders, and costumers.

 

Fabric Dyeing is Easier than Ever: How To Use iDye Poly

Polyester is difficult to dye and requires high heat to achieve good color; therefore, we only recommend dyeing polyester with the stovetop method. 

Stovetop method for 100% polyester and nylon: 

1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with just enough water for the fabric to move freely. Turn heat on high.
2. Add the iDye Poly soluble dye packet to the water and stir until dissolved.
3. Add pre-wetted garments or fabric and bring them to a rolling boil. Maintain temperature and stir frequently for ½ to 1 hour. For uniform color, use constant agitation.
4. Wash the garment with a mild detergent and dry.

Fabric Dyeing is Easier than Ever: Tips and Tricks

The instructions are for achieving the most vibrant color. For lighter shades, dissolve the dye packet in a small container with hot water. Add the appropriate amount of dissolved dye to the dye bath to achieve the desired shade. 

1 packet will dye up to 3 lbs for deep shades. Much more can be dyed, but the depth of shade will begin to decrease

The iDye fixative should only be used with iDye Natural. It ensures better wash fastness.

Click here to check out all of our iDye products.

 

Check out a blog I did on singer/songwriter John Sebastian and his fun history with Tie-Dye. Tie-Dye is a great activity for the whole family.

We have begun curbside pickup which is now available Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Click here to place your online order. Our physical Store is now open as well from 10 am to 5 pm M-F. 

Thank you for your business and have fun dyeing!