iDye_Natural_Instructions_rev2014

Jacquard iDye for Natural Fabrics

Instructions



Easy-to-use soluble dye packet. For 100% natural fabrics. Dyes 2-3 lbs /1-1.3 kg of dry fabric.

Results may vary with fabric, temperature of dye bath and duration. Always test first.

Dye bath is safe to pour down drain/septic systems.

Which iDye? For best results:
  • for 100% natural fabrics use iDye for Natural Fabrics
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  • Read entire instructions before starting.
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  • for 100% polyester & nylon use iDye Poly
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  • For best results, and maximum color intensity,use stove top method.
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  • for fabric blends that contain both natural and synthetic fibers,combine similar colors of iDye for Natural Fabrics and iDye Poly*
  • Use constant agitation for uniform color.
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    NOTE:for lighter shades, use less dye

    Stove top method:

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

    1. Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with enough warm water for the fabric to move freely. Turn heat on medium.
    2. Add the iDye soluble dye packet to water and stir until fully dissolved.
    3. For cotton, linen and rayon dissolve one cup/270 g of non-iodized 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.
    4. Add pre-wetted fabric and raise temperature to a simmer, just below boiling (185°F).
    5. Maintain simmer and stir frequently for ½ hour.
    6. Turn off heat and remove fabric from dye bath. Be careful as fabric and dye bath will be hot. Wear gloves as residual dye can stain skin.
    7. Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in cool water and dry.

    Top loading washing machine method:

    1. Fill washing machine with just enough 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/270 g of non-iodized salt. For silk add 1/3 cup/78 ml of white vinegar.
    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: Most washers hold some water in their outer tubs at the end of a cycle. Run a short wash/rinse cycle with your normal detergent after dyeing to remove any residual color. 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 loading washing machine method:

    1. Dissolve the iDye soluble dye packet in approximately two cups of hot water.
      • For cotton, linen and rayon dissolve one cup of non-iodized salt in approximately one quart of hot water.
      • If you are dyeing silk, then you will use 1/3 cup of white vinegar instead of non-iodized salt.

      Note:For front loading machines with a pre-wash flush, add dye between the flush and wash cycles.

    2. Pour the dissolved iDye and dissolved non-iodized salt or vinegar into the bottom of the washing machine tub.
    3. Add pre-wetted fabric.
    4. 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.
    5. When the machine has completed the wash cycle allow it to complete the balance of the wash/rinse/spin cycle.
    6. 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 ½ 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 three 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 (stove top method).
    3. Do two separate dye baths—one with salt and one with vinegar. This will probably be best for darkest colors.