Deka Wash & Go dyes and Jacquard iDye for Natural Fabrics work in a very similar way to Dylon fabric dyes; they are simple to use and effective on cellulose fabrics. All three dyes can be used in a washing machine.
Cellulose fabrics are made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen (flax), hemp, jute and ramie (nettle), plus those derived from wood pulp which include rayon (viscose), lyocell (Tencel), acetate and triacetate.
Much like Dylon fabric dyes, the Deka Wash & Go dyes and Jacquard iDye for Natural Fabrics are less effective on protein derived fabrics such as those made from silk and wool, and they will not dye the synthetic fibres which include nylon, polyester, acrylic and plastic.
Care should be taken to check the fibre content of articles to be dyed; an item made from cellulose may have been constructed using synthetic thread. A further consideration is to ensure that fabrics have been prepared for dyeing to ensure maximum take up of colour.
Deka Wash & Go dyes and Jacquard iDye for Natural Fabrics washing machine dyes are an excellent alternative to Dylon fabric dyes for dyeing clothing, bedding, lengths of fabric, and curtains; all three dyes are effective on 100% cellulose fabrics.
Other dyes suitable for cellulose fibres include Procion MX dyes. These dyes give superior and permanent colours and are also moderately good for dyeing silk and wool. The dyes require a cold water dye bath, making them ideal for batik and resist techniques.
Jacquard have produced comprehensive usage instructions for using Procion MX Dyes (opens in a new window). It includes directions for Batik, in the washing machine, Screen and Hand Printing, Immersion dyeing, and Tie-dyeing.
But what if you want to dye fabrics with a different or mixed fibre content?
Polyester Blends / Synthetic Threads
Use Jacquard iDye Poly to dye fabrics made from a polyester blend or where polyester thread has been used for the stitching. These dyes can be used in the same dye bath as Jacquard iDye for Natural Fabrics. Choose a colour of iDye Poly closest to the iDye for Natural Fabrics colour, or opt for a completely different colour to create interesting contrasts!
Synthetics (including polyester, plastics, nylon)
Jacquard iDye Poly dye will dye practically any synthetic material, including polyester, plastics and nylon. Use to dye buttons, toys, wigs, plastic fittings, cosplay costumes and more. Fill a pan of water, drop in the dye sachet (the sachet dissolves in the water!), add the item for dyeing, and bring to a boil for 30-60 minutes.
Protein Fibre (including wool, silk, feathers, leather, cashmere, angora, mohair) and Nylon
Use acid dyes for the best results on fabrics made from protein fibres and nylon (still remembering that polyester threads will not take up the dye). These fabric dyes are set using citric acid or white vinegar in a hot dye bath (stove top), or by using the heat from steam, to make them permanent and washable.
These extensive usage instructions for Jacquard Acid Dyes (opens in a new window) include information for using Acid dyes for Silk Painting, in the washing machine, Screen and Hand Printing, and Immersion dyeing.
Over-dyeing
If you are starting with a garment or fabric that is already coloured, you will need to consider how the dye colour will affect the final result. Over dyeing a blue shirt with red is likely to result in purple or burgundy; dyeing a yellow shirt with blue could result in green or turquoise.
One option is to try removing the original colour. Success will depend on the type of the original colourant; some dyes will not discharge, while others will only fade to lighter shades. Try Jacquard iDye Color Remover
