Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Fabric dyes

I try my very best to seek out an array of beautiful laces in various colors, but what happens when you want your custom bra in a color that we cannot provide? Well, we can create that color using fabric dyes. I prefer acid dyes and frequently use the Jacquard brand for several reasons. First and foremost, it has very little smell compared to other fabric dyes. Acid dyes have a shorter boil time to reach the desired color, and this becomes especially important when dying elastics. When dying elastics, we do not want to boil them in the dye water for longer than 30 minutes, as this can impact the integrity of your elastic, a crucial component in your bra. I have also found that acid dyes maintain their vibrant colors after several washes, where others may fade. Finally, you can find or create just about any shade of any color.

Are you interested in dying your own fabrics with acid dyes? Here is how I dye my fabrics, elastics, and bra findings. 

Supplies: 
*These should only be used for the sole purpose of dying. Do not put your food or drink in them later, regardless of how well you clean them*

favorite color of Jacquard acid dye
mug
1/4 teaspoon
8 quart pot 
tongs
tea ball

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dye in your mug with enough water to make a paste. Let this mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. The crystals of the acid dye need time to dissolve, so the fabrics dye evenly without spots. Fill your pot about half full of water and bring to a low boil. Mix the dye into the boiling water. If dying rings and sliders, make sure they are the nylon coated variety. These are the only ones that will dye. Put your rings and sliders into the tea ball. This will make it easier to check for the desired color. Add your fabric, elastics, underwire casing, and the tea ball containing rings and sliders. Boil until you have reached the desired color (generally no longer than 30 minutes). The rings and sliders will have to boil longer. Continue to check them for the desired color. 

Once you have dyed to the color of your liking, rinse with cold water and distilled white vinegar. This will lock in the color and keep its vibrancy longer. Happy dying!


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