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Colouring fabrics

Cold water dyes can be used for dyeing natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen and wool. Synthetic fibres and fabrics such as polyester, viscose and nylon need to be dyed in hot water dyes. You can also dye large pieces of fabric and textile products using special dyes in a washing machine.

Dye can also be applied using a spray bottle, sponge, paint brush or dipping into different colours to create blending of colours and ombre effects.

Materials needed:

• Dye - usually in powdered form. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to mix with water
• Water - to mix with dye
• Salt - some dyes require a mordant to help fix the dye to the fibres
• Fabric - washed to remove the manufacturer’s finish
• Fibres
• Yarn
• Textile product to dye

Step-by-step guide

This is the process to follow if using cold water dyes to dye natural materials:

1. Mix dye following manufacturer’s instructions. Pour dye into a jug or dye bath.
2. Wash fibres, yarns, fabrics or material to be dyed to make sure it is clean and to remove any impurities which could affect the dyeing process.
3. Dip the material into the dye bath. Stir to ensure that all the material is evenly covered.
4. Leave to soak for the desired time.
5. Remove the material from the dye bath.
6. Rinse material under running water until the water runs clear.
7. Leave to dry.

To create an ombre effect you can dip the material into different coloured dye baths. The key is to use harmonious or tonal colours so that you can dye your material from light to dark.

Dye can also be applied to the material using a paint brush, sponge, spray bottle or pipette to create a marbled effect of different colours in different sections.