Dyeing and Painting Garments

This blog post contains affiliate links and the author makes a small commission when you use it.

Since I opened Stacy Kate in 2013 I've been asked what supplies I use to dye and paint my garments.  In the beginning, I was dyeing linen exclusively with the occasional cotton jersey tee shirt. Since then I've added silk and wool to the mix so I sometimes use an entirely different process. Just pulling this list together makes me nostalgic for the beginning of it all!

Procion MX Dye

These powdered dyes are the best! When I ice dyed on linen I rarely used primary colors as the color payoff wouldn't be as dramatic. (unless I was focusing on just one color but that's crazy talk) I would buy colors blended specifically together to make one color. When you sprinkle that powder on your  soda ash infused, ice cube covered garment, the colors separate into all the colors it took to create the color of the dye powder. The result is mind blowing. 

I've attached a link for a Jacquard Procion Dye here. They come in a variety of colors: https://amzn.to/46cDImV

Soda Ash

The soda ash is used on natural fibers to set the colors. I would wash the garment and chuck it in soda ash mixed with hot water as described on the packaging, then dye in any fashion you please. Ice dyeing was a favorite! 

I've attached a link for Jacquard Soda Ash here: https://amzn.to/45HaGMe

Silk Painting

Silk paints are unbelievably vibrant. They appear quite watery, like water color paints, but the result is rich, deep color.

I've attached a link for Jacquard Silk Paints here: https://amzn.to/4g3PROu

Definition

If you want to draw resist lines in your silk painting you will want to use "gutta". They come in a variety of colors to suit your needs.

i've attached a link for Pebeo gutta here: https://amzn.to/4lUi5fQ

Wash

This might be the most important part of the dyeing process. I use Synthropol detergent to wash the garment before and after dyeing. It removes excess dye beautifully.

I've attached a link for Synthropol here: https://amzn.to/47dWmfg