dye -- Sewing Q and A

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Date Posted: 06:05:37 01/25/05 Tue
Author: &&
Subject: dye

Apple Barrel Paint Method

You will need:

Item(s) to be dyed
2 old towels you dont mind ruining
4-6 bottles of acrylic paint PER COLOR (Apple Barrel, Delta, FolkArt)
2-3 bottles Textile or Fabric Medium (Walmart, Joann's, etc)
Washing machine or Rubbermaid Tote
Baby wipes
Clorox Cleanup (generic) Cleaner

NOTE: Items that are already sewn together such as swimwears, bodices, etc. tend to have lighter seams and gathers since the dye won't sit in the fabric as long. It is preferred to dye your fabric then cut and assemble the item. The exception is of course chiffon skirts as these tend to dye well. There ARE splotches which are acceptable as the layers of chiffon tend to blend the splotches so they are not noticable. For chiffon, I have found that it is best to mix your paint weaker than normal and redip several times to acheive the correct shade. Too much paint will make your item feel stiff and rubbery.

Washing Machine method:

Large items:

Fill washer about 1 1/2 to 2" full of warm water. Shut off.
Add paints and medium (1 bottle medium to each 2 bottles of paint, 2 oz sizes). Mix well, making sure to break up any clumps. For a large batch of fabric or a skirt, you'll need 4-6 bottles of paint minimum and 2-3 bottles of medium. It's safer to go with the most paint, since you can water it down easily but darkening it up may require adding more paint (if mixture produces too light a shade, you can redip again and again, heat setting in between).

Submerge your fabric or skirt, etc and soak it completely through with the paint mixture. Gently squeeze out the excess liquid and roll loosely in a couple of old towels. Toss in dryer and heat set for five minute intervals on medium heat until heat set and completely dry. If too light, redip and heat set,repeating as often as needed.

Small items:

For things such as Venice lace appliques, Venice lace yardage, trims, etc you can use the same method as above but cut the recipe in half. You can also use a small Rubbermaid tote to mix your paint in. I find it's easier to clean up in the washing machine as you just run a hot water cycle and it washes right out.

CLEANUP:

The dryer will suffer the worst. If you clean it as soon as you are done, use a baby wipe and the generic Dollar General Store Clorox Cleanup Cleaner ($1 a bottle). It comes right off. Gotta love acrylic paint for that! Make sure when you clean it that you have good ventilation as breathing in cleaners is never a good idea.

Your cuticles will probably pick up some of the color. Don't worry it will fade. If it is too bothersome to deal with, get some dishwashing gloves and wear those while you work.

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