Today we continue our Dye-I-Y Series with a two part introduction to the most commonly used fibers and dyes. First we discuss how to categorize the fiber that you are dyeing. Then we introduce our four most commonly used dyes while addressing our most frequently asked question about dyes; which dye is best for which fiber? This series is intended for first time and beginning dyers. Experienced dyers, we invite you to add your input in the comments section below!
There are three main things to consider when selecting the dye you are going to use:
1. Which type of fiber are you dying?
For our purposes, we divide our fabrics into 5 different categories:
Cellulose Fibers are plant based fibers, such as cotton, linen or rayon.
Protein Fibers are animal based fibers such as silk or wool.
Natural Fibers are any natural fiber, whether cellulose fibers or protein fibers.
Synthetic Fibers man made fibers such as polyester or nylon.
Blended Fibers are a mixture of any of the above fibers.
2. What dye method works best for with the time and resources you have available?
In situations where more than one dye is appropriate for the fiber you are working with, often times the next deciding factor for someone who is new to dyeing will be which method will work best with your available resources.
For example, if you are choosing between the stovetop method and washing machine method and you don't have a large pot on hand, you might opt for the washing machine method. Conversely, if you didn't have access to a washing machine, you might elect to do the stovetop method. Depending on the fiber you are dyeing you may not have a choice. For example dyes that require a great deal of heat to fix (such as iDye Poly) will require a stovetop method.
3. How important is permanence and longevity?
Last but not least, quality is a very important factor for every dyer.Your selection may sometimes come down to a decision between quality and convenience. For example, if you are dyeing cotton, you have a choice between the convenience of iDye which comes in a pre-measured packet, and the vibrancy of Procion MX Dye, which must be measured out, and used with soda ash. The Procion MX dye will offer more permanence, but will take additional steps to complete.
Here is an introduction to our four most commonly used dyes:
Please note, this is meant as a general overview. Different methods may have different materials requirements, so please be sure to read the full instructions before you proceed.
Most people choose Procion MX dye for cellulose fibers because it offers the most vibrant colors and has the best permanence. This dye that fixes without the use of heat, which makes it one of the easiest dyes to use. Procion MX dye is fixed with Soda Ash, whether you pre-soak your garments in soda ash before applying dye, or you mix it directly in to your dye bath. See full instructions for more details. Procion MX dye is also one of our most versatile dyes, with countless methods. It's best known use is for Tie Dye. The Procion MX dyes are what we use in our Tie Dye Kits.
Use it on: Cellulose fibers, such as cotton, linen, hemp, or rayon.
Methods: Tie dye, immersion dyeing, washing machine method to name a few. See the full instructions for additional suggestions.
Additional Materials You May Need: Soda ash, non-iodized salt, synthrapol, dyeset concentrate, iDye fixative.
Other Uses: Silk screening, batiking, can also be used on protein fibers and even wood.
Full Instructions: Procion MX Instructions
iDye is our easiest to use dye. It comes in pre-measured dissolvable packets, and doesn't require a Soda Ash fixer, making it extremely user friendly. As an added convenience, many of our iDye Natural colors can be used with the washing machine method. For darker or more vibrant colors, we do recommend using the stovetop method. See the link below for full instructions. For increased permanence, we recommend using the iDye Fixative.
Use it on: Any natural fiber, including cellulose and/or protein fibers.
Methods: Stove top or washing machine method.
Additional Materials You May Need: Non-iodized salt, white vinegar
Full Instructions: iDye Natural Instructions
iDye Poly is the only dye we offer for synthetic fibers, which are very difficult to dye. iDye Poly requires a very high temperature to achieve good color so the stovetop method is essential for success. It works on polyester and nylon fabrics, but it is also used for dyeing solid items such as RC car parts, frisbee discs, and items printed with 3D printers.
Use it on: Polyester, nylon. (will not work on acrylic)
Methods: Stove top method only.
Additional Materials You May Need: None. Can be blended with iDye Natural for blended fabrics.
Full Instructions: iDye Poly Instructions
Acid dyes are meant for protein fibers, and are best used with the stovetop method. Acid dyeing can be particularly satisfying. If you get your dye to fabric ratio just right, all of the dye will be absorbed in to your fabric, leaving you with a clear dye bath!
Use it on: Protein fibers such as silk or wool.
Methods: Stove top, washing machine, flowable paint, and silk screening methods.
Additional Materials You May Need: White vinegar, synthrapol.
Full Instructions: Acid Dye Instructions
Next up, we'll begin a series of tutorials for each of our dyes, starting with iDye Natural! Got questions? Leave them in the comments below!
For more information, consider reading our posting in our dye forums.
Another excellent resource is professional dyer Paula Burch. We recommend starting with her FAQ section.
