For my first experiment with dyeing fabric, I used iDye. Supposedly this new “no mess” product will dye fabric in a washing machine. A washing machine! How easy. I was very excited. My husband and co-owner of said washing machine, not so much. He’s convinced it will ruin it and he may have a point. FINE. For the sake of marital harmony, I chose the traditional, stove-top method instead.
The results? Pretty good. Yellow cotton dress + black dye = black dress. The only problem was the thread in the dress didn’t get dyed because it was a poly/cotton blend. I like how it looks but lesson learned – next time use both the regular iDye AND iDye Poly (for polyester and nylon).
What you need:
- up to 2-3 pounds of cotton or cotton blend fabric
- 1 packet of iDye for natural fabrics
- 1 packet of iDye Poly
- 1 cup of salt
- Big stainless steel pot (that you will never use for food again… designate it your “dying pot”)
- Spoon for stirring (designated now as your “dying spoon”)
How to do it:
- Dissolve dye in hot water
- Add fabric
- Add salt
- Cook and stir for ½ hour
- Drain water in sink or bathtub (the dye will not stain enamel)
- Wash fabric in washing machine without any other clothes. (Run an empty load afterwards to clean out the machine).
Other great uses for black dye:
- Darkening jeans: if your jeans have faded, use black dye to darken them again. Don’t bother with blue dye, it’s won’t be effective.
- Removing stains: are you a sweaty beast with yellow pit stains? Try dyeing the whole shirt black before you throw it away.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you forgot to mention that unlike rit dye the dye is much simpler to use as the dye is contained in a packet and not as powder- also having used rite, Idye is much darker is way darker
Does our dry cleaner really love us? They say they do with their hangers. But I think they really love our money. I ain’t the one.