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Jacquard iDye

Instructions

iDye
iDye Poly

iDye for Natural Fibers

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| iDye Natural Instructions

Easy to use soluble dye packet. For all natural fabrics. Dyes 2 to 3 pounds of fabric (1-1.3 kg).

Which iDye?

  • for 100% natural fabrics use iDye
  • for 100% polyester & nylon use iDye Poly
  • for polyester blends use iDye and the corresponding color of iDye Poly*

For best results:

  • Read entire instructions before beginning
  • Prewash garment to remove any sizings, soteners or finishes
  • Use the stove top method for dark colors (black, brown or olive) or very intense colors (bright yellow, reds)
    • Use constant agitation for uniform color

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

Stove top method:

  1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with just enough warm water for the fabric to move freely. Turn heat on medium. Remove fabric from water.
  2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet to water and stir until fully dissolved.
  3. Add pre-wetted fabric and raise temperature to a simmer, just below boiling. When dyeing wool it is important to raise the temperature slowly.
  4. For cotton, linen and rayon dissolve one cup (237 ml) of salt in a little hot water and add to dye bath. For silk and wool add 1/3 cup (78 ml) of white vinegar instead of salt. Avoid pouring directly onto fabric.
  5. Maintain simmer and stir frequently for 1/2 hour. Be gentle with wool as lots of agitation will contribute to felting.
  6. Turn off heat and allow the dye bath to return to room temperature – stirring occasionally. Rinse when cool enough to handle – wear gloves as residual dye can stain skin.
  7. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in cool water and dry.

Top load washing machine method:

  1. Fill washing machine with just enough very hot water for the fabric to move freely.
  2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet. Agitate for 30 seconds or longer until packet is dissolved.
  3. For cotton, linen and rayon add one cup (237 ml) of salt. For silk add 1/3 cup (78 ml) of white vinegar instead of salt. Do not use the washing machine method for wool as it will felt.
  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.

Note: As most washers hold some water in their outer tubs at the end of a cycle we recommend running a short wash/rinse cycle with your normal detergent after completing your dyeing. If you have hard water in your area it is also a good idea to wipe down the inside of the tub as soap scum can build up and will hold onto dye particles.

Front load washing machine method:

  1. Dissolve the iDye soluble dye packet in approximately two cups of very hot water.
  2. For cotton, linen and rayon dissolve one cup salt in approximately one quart of very hot water.
  3. If you are dyeing silk you will use 1/3 cup of vinegar instead of salt. Do not use the washing machine method for wool because it will felt.
  4. Pour the dissolved iDye and dissolved salt or vinegar into the bottom of the washing machine tub.
  5. Add pre-wetted fabric.
  6. Set your machine for the hottest possible water temperature and longest possible wash cycle. If you are able to extend the wash cycle, do so. The longer you are able to allow the fabric to remain in the wash/dye cycle the darker the color and the better the fixation.
  7. When the machine has completed the wash cycle allow it to complete the balance of the wash/rinse/spin cycle.
  8. Wash the garment with a mild detergent in cold water and dry.

Note: We recommend a thorough cleaning of your washer after you have used it to dye fabric. Most front loading washers collect residual water in the front door gasket and will also hold water in the exterior tub. Wipe down the door gasket carefully and run a short cycle with your normal detergent after completing dye process. (You may want to refer to your Washing Machine Users Manual for cleaning instructions.)

*For polyester blends:

  1. Choose an iDye Poly color closest to the iDye color you are dyeing and add both packets to dye bath.
  2. Follow stove top method. Allow dye mixture to come to a simmer for 1/2 to 1 hour.

For cotton & silk blends:

If you are doing a cotton and silk blend and don’t know whether to add the salt or the vinegar you have 3 options:

  1. It’s not critical—either the salt or the vinegar will work so just pick one.
  2. Don’t add either, but use substantial heat in the dye bath (stovetop method).
  3. Do 2 separate dyebaths—one with salt and one with vinegar. This will probably be best for darkest colors.