How to Dye Crushed Velvet Fabric?
Dyeing a crushed velvet fabric might seem like an arduous task given the patterned or sometimes crumpled and crushed appearance of this particular type of velvet fabric. However, this is not so. Crushed velvet fabric is one of the easiest fabrics to dye, because its fibres absorb colours very well.
Velvet is traditionally woven using silk, and natural fibres like silk can be dyed easily. Hence, velvet, in general, can be dyed easily. Crushed velvet originally is made of a blend of silk and linen. This makes it easy to dye.
However, these days crushed velvet can be made of more synthetic materials like rayon, nylon, polyester and viscose. You must check the fabric of your crushed velvet fabric to determine the best way to dye it or if it is even possible to dye it using an ordinary type of dye.
This is because it is challenging to dye polyester, so if your fabric contains polyester, do not even think about dyeing it using any ordinary type of fabric dye. The colour will not stick, and in the end it will not dye at all.
Dyeing a crushed velvet fabric can be done in 6 simples steps:
- Wash your crushed velvet fabric to remove any dirt or grease. Do not dry as you need the fabric to be wet to open up the fabric’s fibres to soak up dye quickly.
- Dissolve the acid dye powder in 1 cup of hot water, add to a stock pot filled with hot water and place on a stove (medium-high heat).
- Place the wet fabric in the dye solution and stir the fabric for a few minutes for even distribution of the dye.
- Increase the temperature of the dye solution containing the fabric to 85°C and add your white vinegar or citric acid to the dye solution. ¼ cup of vinegar or one tablespoon of citric acid is fine for 1pound of fabric.
- Stir the dye pot from time to time and maintain the temperature of the heat for about 30 minutes to allow the fabric to soak up the colours. You can increase or reduce the time depending on how deep you want the colours.
- Reduce the heat, remove the fabric from the dye solution and rinse with warm water. Afterwards, wash in a gentle wash cycle and rinse with cool water.
How to Dye Crushed Velvet Bed?
Have you been wondering if it is possible to dye your crushed velvet bed? Yes, it is possible and relatively easy.
As I mentioned above, ensure your crushed velvet upholstery does not contain polyester (if possible). Once this is done, let’s dive into dyeing your crushed velvet bed in 5 easy steps:
- Remove your mattress and secure all non-fabric portions of your bed with plastic grocery bags to prevent the dye from staining anything other than the upholstery.
- Wipe the fabric with warm water to open up the fibres and let it absorb as much dye as possible. Note the keyword “wipe”. Do not soak with water. You need to moisten the fabric lightly.
- Mix your dye with the quantity of water as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Using light circular motions, lightly apply the dye to the crushed velvet fabric of your upholstery with a new sponge. Do this until the whole surface is covered or you achieve your desired pattern.
- Leave the dye to dry for 24 hours and lightly moisten the fabric with warm water using a sponge. This is needed to fluff up the nap of the velvet.
That’s it. You are ready to dye your crushed velvet fabric or upholstery.
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