Q&A for How to Dye Clothes

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  • Question
    Can I use coffee to dye clothes?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you must leave the clothes in for a little bit. Start by bleaching the garment fully white, and then keep it submerged for an hour. Take it out and see if you're satisfied with the color.
  • Question
    How do I dye a beige linen dress black?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to use regular black fabric dye. The only thing to worry about would be if it has a zipper or accents like buttons, as they will likely not dye. (Or they might only partially stain and look odd, but that's less likely, depending on the materials they're made of.) If you're looking for natural options, you might try walnuts, iris roots, or carob pods. Do a little research on Google to find the proper technique for using these.
  • Question
    If my cotton is a light pumpkin color and I want it to be dull light tan, what color dye should I use?
    Community Answer
    Try to find a dye powder that best matches your ideal shade. You may have to use a darker tan to completely override the orange color. If nothing else works, you could completely bleach the shirt and then use tan dye powder.
  • Question
    Could I change my burgundy shirt to a paprika color?
    Community Answer
    You can certainly try! You could use either paprika-colored dye powder or the paprika spice itself.
  • Question
    Can I dye a fading red fabric with the same color?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Try keeping the fabric in the dye bath a little longer, though, if you want it a brighter shade.
  • Question
    What color dye should I use on a pink t-shirt that has a red wine stain, to hide the stain?
    Community Answer
    Pour white wine onto the red wine stain and let it dry naturally. If it doesn't go altogether, repeat. Once the "stain" has faded enough (it might even disappear altogether), dye your t-shirt any shade of red.
  • Question
    If I dye my clothes with coffee or a natural product, will the color be gone after I wash them?
    Community Answer
    If you don't wash the garment right after it's dyed, then it shouldn't erase the color.
  • Question
    Should I use a salt bath for cotton when using a washing machine to dye clothes?
    Community Answer
    No, scientifically salt will be harsh for cotton. Use a chemical dye to give white colors to cloth.
  • Question
    How can I dye my clothes that have prints on them?
    Community Answer
    Cut the prints and put the unprinted parts of the cloth in the washing machine, stovetop, or natural stove dye. Then, stitch the printings with with the dyed cloth. If needed, get help from a professional to stitch for you.
  • Question
    Can I dye a black dress to another color?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the garment might be a darker version of the color of you choose.
  • Question
    What should I do if I wanna dye a purple dress to a navy purple?
    Community Answer
    Depending on how purple your dress is, you may be able to simply add navy blue dye to your already purple dress to make it a navy blue/purple color.
  • Question
    Wool shrinks, so how do I dye wool in hot water?
    Community Answer
    You can just use lukewarm water to dye wool. It might not give you as vibrant of a color, but it will help you avoid any shrinking.
  • Question
    If I have a light blue shirt and want it to become dark purple, will it work if I use red dye?
    Community Answer
    Technically, yes, but pay attention to the strength of the colors. If you use a bright red dye on a very light blue shirt then your purple will look very reddish.
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