YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help: DIY Dyeing

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Help: DIY Dyeing https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:43:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181667 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:08:43 +0000 Angie 2181667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sweet Mary Beth, I would never inconvenience you in that way .....just joking ;)  Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181664 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:54:51 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2181664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooooh, I do love me a challenge!   But I'm kind of terrified at the thought of dying somebody else's clothing! Angie on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181656 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:40:03 +0000 Angie 2181656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (Sorry for Dyeing typo - FIXED ... Janet and Unfrumped )  Ooooooh, wow. DYEING is very tricky, but thanks soooo much for your lengthly and thoughtful replies. You guys are pros.  So at this stage, I'm sending my stuff to Brooklyn and Mary Beth to dye for me.... ;) Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181601 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:23:24 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2181601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've dyed a lot of clothing, and I can already tell you, novice or not, results are never guaranteed to be perfect.   However, prepping your garment is 99% of the battle.    This is how I prep: I get the garment under bright, natural, midday sunlight, and I look for stains, or already uneven coloring.  I really take my time here, especially if I'm dying a light-colored item a darker color.    If there are stains, I work to remove those first - especially underarm stains.   (I love Carbona Stain Devils Rust Remover for underarm stains).  Stains on a garment, will inevitably dye darker than the rest of the garment, in my experience.  Bleach marks, on the other hand, don't hold the dye, and come out lighter - again in my experience.   I don't know if there are workarounds for bleach marks.     My go-to dye is RIT, and they have an <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ritdye.com/color-formulas/">entire, amazing catalog of color forumulas</a>.   I've successfully changed mid-blue jeans to deep blue that has a hint of green, and my all-time favorite dye project, a white Theory button-down blouse that I thrifted, and re-dyed a pale peachy-pink color.   So let's talk about changing the color on an item that is already dark, like your black and gray item... If the item is already black:  've never successfully redyed black to any other color except black (I do this to refresh beloved black pieces).    If the item is gray: The best way to approach this, is find a piece of fabric in a similar shade and fabric makeup, like an old tee-shirt, and test out your color formula on that, first.    One of my most successful gray-to-color projects, was a J Crew cotton-blend sateen pencil skirt, that was a pale dove-grey color.  I thought the fabric was beautiful, but realized I wasn't happy with the color, so I used <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.joann.com/dylon-permanent-fabric-dye/prd45370.html">Dylon</a> in purples and blues, to get it a deep, vibrant violet color.  I eventually sold the skirt on eBay. (I didn't get a photo, but I've posted a flower photo below to give you an idea of how it turned out - most like the purple in the lower right corner.) I tested my color formula by using an old mid-grey t-shirt.   I cut it into strips, and kept dipping, and then tweaking the formula.   (I think I had to add more purple to color, correct, but I don't remember). I've dyed a pair of J Brand jeans from a very average blue, to a richer, darker green-based blue, that I loved.    I tried dying a mid-charcoal Wolford skirt and jacket to a deeper green-blue color.   It wound up being a more blue-based charcoal, which I'm satisfied with.   I didn't full out hot-water dye it, because it was a wool blend, I didn't want to risk ruining or felting it.    I think hotter water would have affixed it better.   I dyed this in my stainless steel sink, periodically adding boiling water a little at a time, so that the water was hot, but not actively boiling the clothes. I may eventually try this again, but I'll go hotter with the temperature. So let's talk about dye options:   when I lived at my old place, I used my ancient washing machine.  After dying anything, I would run a hot water wash cycle with blue Dawn dish detergent, and a couple cups of bleach.   Then I would do a second full wash cycle, with just water.   I never had issues.  Now we have a fancy front-load washer, and because the item isn't submerged fully in water, I would use a stovetop method (which my pro costumer friend swears by). I've done stove-top dying, and it's pretty easy, but way more hands-on than dumping it in the washing machine.    You need to use a pot that you designate solely for this purpose, that you don't ever use for food preparation again.   I have an old stainless steel pot, and an old nylon spoon, and a yardstick, for stirring and manipulating the garment. TIPS:   Put down old towels in your work area Wear gloves Blue Dawn Dish Detergent and/or Head and Shoulders Shampoo is great for mopping up spills on counters and floors, but nothing is 100%, so if you spill, move fast! My dyeing toolkit:    White vinegar, and Salt, to help fix the colors Yardstick and nylon utensils, for stirring (dollar store) Heavy Stainless steel pot (hit up your local thrift store) Zout stain remover, and the Carbona Stain remover line, to pre-treat clothes Blue Dawn Old towels Old tees, cut into strips, to test your dye color mix, if you're trying a custom shade PATIENCE and A SENSE OF HUMOR.     Jules on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181599 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:22:11 +0000 Jules 2181599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ At the risk of stating the obvious, the jacket would concern me especially because the two different fabrics of the lace and lining are unlikely to take the dye in the same way. Which could give an interesting effect, or totally not! nemosmom on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181597 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:17:49 +0000 nemosmom 2181597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have not tried to dye over a bleach spot, but can sympathize with the damage!  If you decide NOT to dye the pants, you could create a fabulous cleaning capsule with them Janet on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181585 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:42:37 +0000 Janet 2181585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfrumped, you and me both. I keep thinking of Dr Kevorkian! Dying: approaching death Dyeing: changing the color of an item *very big grin, meant in total kindness* RobinF on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181581 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:27:21 +0000 RobinF 2181581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that dying is iffy. I have done it with mixed results. It can come out splotchy and I agree with Brooklyn that the bleach spots might still be lighter than the overall dye color. I think the black could be dyed to a bluish tint but might still look like black. But if the items are not going to be worn otherwise then it might be worth the risk. Jane on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181563 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:01:45 +0000 Jane 2181563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just chiming into say that sometimes when using dyes the thread takes differently to the fabric so a professional route can be best. On the bleach, massive sympathy. I still miss a brown cord skirt I splattered many years ago. Jaime on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181555 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:30:43 +0000 Jaime 2181555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No advice about dye, and you are well covered above, but feeling a sense of reassuring kinship with your bleach stains as my at home clothes tend to be spotted with them . Anonymous on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181487 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 22:27:35 +0000 Anonymous 2181487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing that it's hit or miss. I used Rit and Dylon, but Dharma Trading has dye for more serious users. It looks complicated... <a href="https://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/all-fabric-dyes-from-dharma-trading-co.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.dharmatrading.com/.....ng-co.html</a> Natural fibers do dye best, though blends can work. I just try to move the color a bit, not change it 100%. Brooklyn on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181479 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 22:15:53 +0000 Brooklyn 2181479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are tough ones! I don’t think it will work on the bleach spot. I think it will still look lighter after dyeing. Unless you use a lot of dye to really saturate the pants. I’d try 2 x bottles of RIT dye (that’s what I use, and one bottle would normally be enough for a pair of pants) and go for a dark colour. But it’s still risky. It might be less obvious at least. The black jacket won’t dye lighter. I’ve used a dye lifter, and it did work pretty well. Is the lace cotton? It might be worth a try if it is. You could just soak it in a bucket in your laundry with the dye lifter. (I’ve used a RIT version.) But I’m sure a professional could do this too. I’d look for someone who advertises dyeing wedding dresses. They’d have a lot of experience with dealing with lace. You could talk to them first before risking it. When I dye items, I use RIT liquid dye in the machine. It’s not messy, but I wipe out the machine afterwards and do a load of darks in case there is any residual dye. I have also done custom colour mixes (advanced now!). RIT has formulas for this on their website. It is hit and miss. I get the best results with something that’s already close to the colour of (and lighter than) the colour I want. And natural fibres. I use a dye fixative as well to prevent fading. They make dyes for synthetics but I’ve never tried them. Elle on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181455 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:25:37 +0000 Elle 2181455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Depending on the size and location of the bleach stain, you could try covering it with a fun patch.  I've used butterflies and flowers (from my local fabric store) but they come in all shapes.   rachylou on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181439 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 20:00:07 +0000 rachylou 2181439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m thinking it would be easier to have the lining replaced on the bomber. I’m also thinking lifting the colour first on the whole pair of pants would maybe yield a better dying result... Anonymous on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181436 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:37:55 +0000 Anonymous 2181436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve not tried dying ,but am watching for answers on the bleach spots. I also have pants that got bleach spots and plan to try the colored pencil trick if I can find a good mustard pencil. I know that all colored pencils are not equal a d those bought individually seem to be more pigmented. Cardiff girl on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181435 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:36:27 +0000 Cardiff girl 2181435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funnily enough l just dyed a shirt pink this afternoon!l am a big fan of home dyeing to refresh old items.l always use a brand called Dylon and if you want no mess use their washing machine pod.Just follow the instructions and the washing machine does it all for you.Dyeing works best on natural fibres, although l have had some cool results with mixed fibres l wouldn’t attempt to dye anything synthetic.l think that your trousers ,if they are   a natural fibre would probably dye well.  I am not so sure about your jacket ,the lace is probably synthetic ? Minaminu on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181432 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:12:05 +0000 Minaminu 2181432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What is the material of those pieces? If it is a synthetic one, it may be difficult to change colour. unfrumped on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181431 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:05:09 +0000 unfrumped 2181431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m sorry, I was having trouble getting past DIY dying... took me in a whole ‘nuther direction. And then there was the beginning of Jenn’s response... I guess the spots aren’t in places that would be good for decorative trim, appliqué, lace - over the spots and elsewhere to make it look intentional? And of course the pants would still be olive. Liz on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181424 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:17:27 +0000 Liz 2181424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For the outdoorsy pants, I'd try a variation on Nikki's route. Get a colored pencil that closely matches the pant color, and then lightly crosshatch through the bleached spot. Fill in only as much as is needed to blend the spot with the rest of the fabric. ETA: Coming back to add that you'd only want to experiment with this if you weren't going to dye the fabric. Depending on what the pencil is made of (e.g., any wax in it), it could block the fabric from taking the dye. I'd try a very light hand, just to see what happens. Anonymous on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181422 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 18:07:20 +0000 Anonymous 2181422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have heard of a trick using a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to transfer color from one part of garment to bleached spot. I haven’t tried it yet. I was doing research on it for my son’s hospital work clothes Liesbeth on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181419 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:42:31 +0000 Liesbeth 2181419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here we have dyes that go in the washer. I've done it but like others have said, success is unpredictable. My latest try involved a bleached spot too - had removed grease from a silk shirt with 'ossengalzeep' and the color came off too ... but the lighter spot stayed lighter after the dye job. Luckily the dye didn't cost too much but I still lost a silk shirt :(. Fyi: <a href="https://www.kruidvat.be/nl/textielverf/c/20072" rel="nofollow">https://www.kruidvat.be/nl/textielverf/c/20072</a> Angie on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181407 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:04:13 +0000 Angie 2181407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Jenn, FI, and JAileen. Tricky business ..... :( At this point I'm looking for someone else to dye them. I can't store a big pot I don't cook with unfortunately. Stagiaire Fash on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181406 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:02:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2181406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Some of these have lots and lots of shades—you might be able to find the right one, if it’s just a couple bleach droplets you’re trying to cover. <a href="https://www.michaels.com/drawing-supplies/markers/845160218?prefn1=refinementColor&prefv1=Green&page=3" rel="nofollow">https://www.michaels.com/drawi.....038;page=3</a> JAileen on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181405 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:59:02 +0000 JAileen 2181405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I’ve done a little dyeing.  I would do it only as a last resort, because it may or may not come out.  I dyed a beigey taupe sweater navy, and it turned out beautifully.  I had another sweater that didn’t come out.  It was my fault because I didn’t stir it enough.  </div><div> </div>I would use Rit dye.  It can dye synthetics.  I’d probably do these together.  Get two bottles of navy dye.  You need a big pot you don’t cook it.  You can get them at a thrift store.  Same for a stick or spoon to stir with. Do not use your kitchen items!  <div> </div><div>I just do it on the stove, and pour the dye down the sink afterwards.  You don’t need to go outside.  </div><div> </div><div> <div> </div></div> Jenn on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181404 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:57:46 +0000 Jenn 2181404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The thing with dyeing is you have to embrace uncertainty, especially if you're a novice.  Things may not come out exactly as you'd planned. I once tried to dye a pink sweater black and it came out eggplant. You use different types of dyes for natural materials vs. synthetics, so what type of dye to use will depend on what your items are made of. For sure, you'll want to test on a hidden part with the thread those pants are stitched with.  Sometimes manufacturers use thread that's a different fiber composition and will resist the same dye that colors the rest, so you end up with contrast stitching you didn't expect. With the jacket, you can't really dye a lighter color over a darker one, so I suspect you might have to use a color lifter, which might be harsh on a delicate material like lace. Navy might work to tint the black, especially if the black is faded, but again, uncertainty! (ETA: I fixed the first line for unfrumped.  ) Angie on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181403 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:56:27 +0000 Angie 2181403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've tried that, but it doesn't work well with olive - unless you have a trick up your sleeve? Anonymous on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181401 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:50:56 +0000 Anonymous 2181401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t have dye advice but for bleach spots I just fill it in with a marker of same color and call it a day Angie on "Help: DIY Dyeing" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-diy-dying#post-2181398 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:44:52 +0000 Angie 2181398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A few questions for those who have successfully dyed their clothes :) 1. My favourite outdoorsy pants have bleach on them. See pic. (I was a little over enthusiastic with the sanitizing when the pandemic started ) Can I dye them at home to save them? If so, navy or olive? (Black and grey are not options). They are sentimental and I won't let them go.  2.  Can you dye something black and grey to navy blue? See pic of  bomber with black overlay lace over grey knitted jersey. It's very old, and also very sentimental. I'm not letting it go, but would like to wear it again....if it were blue.  Also, which brand of dye is best? Does it make a mess? If it does - I will have to abandon the efforts. We live in a small loft with no outside garden!  Thank you. xo