Dyeing fabric in has never been easier. iDye comes in a packet that dissolves in water - no handling of messy dye powders. You can use iDye for natural fabrics with a top loading washing machine. Just throw the dye packet in, add salt and run through the wash cycle. For Polyesters and Nylons dyeing on the stove top is easy too. The ultimate way to get gorgeous colour! Mix iDye with iDye Poly for natural and synthetic blend fabrics. iDye comes in 14 g packets that will dye 2-3 pounds/ 1 - 1.3kg of fabric.

• 100% natural fabrics (cotton, silk, linen)
• 30 vibrant colours for natural fabrics - See other listings
• 8 vibrant colours for polyester & nylon - See other listings

Also available: Colour Remover, which removes or lightens a colour and brightens whites; Sun Blocker, added to the wash cycle permeates the clothing fibres and will block harmful UV rays.

Instructions

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.
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 colour 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.

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.
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 add 1/3 cup/78 ml of white vinegar instead of salt. Avoid pouring directly onto fabric.
5. Maintain simmer and stir frequently for ½ hour.
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.
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 colour 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.

*For polyester blends:

1. Choose an iDye Poly colour closest to the iDye colour 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 dye baths—one with salt and one with vinegar. This will probably be best for darkest colours.

* Please note that we are only a retailer of this product and cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any project carried out. We advise all customers to carefully follow instructions set out by the manufacture.