Dying Linen Fabric?

Question

How can I safely dye white linen pants? I'd like them to be gray, but if that is not feasible, black will do.

I have hooks in my closet and they were hanging there against hardwood for months ... they look a bit too yellow now. What do you think? Any suggestions on dye? Any warnings or techniques?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Linen is a cellulosic fiber and will require a fiber-reactive dye and a basic dye solution.

Before trying to dye, check the label on the pants and make SURE they are either 100% linen or a linen-cotton or linen-rayon blend. Polyester and other synthetic fibers won't take dye very well, and silk or wool tends to require an acidic dye bath for best results.

Procion MX dyes are the best I've tried so far-- MUCH better than Rit. They've got several blacks and at least one (light) grey. You'll need kosher salt or sea salt (non-iodized) and soda ash (washing soda-- you can buy this at most KMarts) to make the dye stick properly.

For better dye retention, wash your pants thoroughly in the warmest water they can stand before dying. DO NOT use fabric softener, bleach, or color-safe bleach, and only a tablespoon or so of detergent (or grated soap, if your detergent contains softeners or bleaches). Add 1/4 cup vinegar to the rinse water to help remove any soap residue. Run an extra rinse cycle.

Before dyeing, soak the pants in warm salt water, and make sure they're completely wet. (Wetting the fabric first helps prevent the "ombre" look") Squeeze out the excess water and then immerse in the prepared dyebath. See Instruction sheet (2nd link) Make sure your dye container is large enough so that your pants can move freely without bunching-- if the fabric bunches up in a dyebath, it tends to dye unevenly.

Source(s):

http://www.dickblick.com/zz013/02/

http://www.gsdye.com/Canada/PDF_files/MX…

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Wow, who knew someone could know all that about dyeing linen.

Grazie!