Thread: advice on dyeing clothes?

Hi guys and dolls,

I figured that someone on this forum might have some experience/good advice on dyeing clothes...

I bought a really gorgeous dress in a sale for £5 (woot!), but when I got it home and tried it on, it wasn't as pink as I thought it was but is actually more flesh coloured. So although it looks nice on the colour just isn't quite right against my skin tone.

So I am thinking of dyeing it either a darker/duskier pink or possibly grey (though a nice light grey, not a sloppy got dyed in the wash grey)? As either of these colours would suit the style.

I have never dyed clothes before (other than highschool ti-dye experiments), so I would really appreciate hearing from anyone with knowledge on it. The fabric is a sort of chiffon-esque top layer with a satin-esque slip underneath - will either of these be a problem to dye? and what sort of dyes/suppliers can people recommend?

I know it was only £5 but it's a pretty dress so I would rather not ruin it by doing it all wrong...

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take it into a fabric shop, and they could help you
my previous experience with dyeing has been fine!
so i doubt one dress will cause a problem, and when its done
you will have a shiny new dress!!

The only thing that may possibly be a problem is synthetic fabrics or threads.

Regular, store bought Dylon will not dye that stuff. This may be ok, as often contrast stitching looks nice

I LOVE dyeing things! First of all check the label, it'll tell you exactly what the fabric is and we can work from there . I even dyed my wedding dress hahahaha

Originally Posted by Mister Joe Black

take it into a fabric shop, and they could help you
my previous experience with dyeing has been fine!
so i doubt one dress will cause a problem, and when its done
you will have a shiny new dress!!

Good plan! Thanks

Originally Posted by Ally Katte

The only thing that may possibly be a problem is synthetic fabrics or threads.

Regular, store bought Dylon will not dye that stuff. This may be ok, as often contrast stitching looks nice

It's pretty synthetic... dylon is probably out then...

Originally Posted by Amber Sweet

I LOVE dyeing things! First of all check the label, it'll tell you exactly what the fabric is and we can work from there . I even dyed my wedding dress hahahaha

Both the dress and lining are 100% polyester, only the top one is more chiffonesque polyester and the bottom is more satinesque polyester, lol.

Is it even dyeable?

dylon will dye it but it'll be a lighter shade than on the packet - you can always give them a ring first

Originally Posted by Amber Sweet

dylon will dye it but it'll be a lighter shade than on the packet - you can always give them a ring first

Thanks for the advice, I will check it out

Really sorry, but polyester is bad news. You'll have to boil it so long that your arm will get tired stirring, you'll get terrible creasemarks that you'll never get out, and you'll still only change the colour very slightly, if at all. Even professional dyers can't do much with the stuff. Plus, it will probably cost you another fiver in dye and salt.
My only advice would be to save yourself the pennies and chuck it in the machine next time you are doing a darks wash which may knock the colour back a bit.

Or learn to love it as it is - after all, none of us are perfect.

Or flog it on e-bay.

Or offer it up for adoption.

Or.......

Vivaxx