We can dye a single garment but it is not always practical on garments that have not been
prepared for dyeing and there is a risk of shrinkage. Our methods are designed to minimise any shrinkage and it is rarely
a problem. The fibre content and/or the construction can make a achieving a good result a challenge. We receive many enquiries
asking if we can dye wedding dresses. Typically from cream to black or another dark shade. It is sometimes possible and
we have successfully helped out in a number of cases but mixed fibres in the garment can create some difficulties. For example
the lining may be a different fibre from the rest of the garment and may dye differently or even not at all. Most garments
will be sewn together with polyester threads unless they were intended to be dyed in which case the thread should be
cotton. Polyester thread will not dye in silk or cotton dyes and so will remain the original colour. You could have a black
garment with white stitching - not always desirable. If you are having a wedding dress made ask for it to be sewn with 100%
cotton sewing thread. This will be of benefit to you should you decide to dye it later.
Polyester garments may be able to be dyed from pale shades to mid shades.
For some small cotton or silk single items, shirts, skirts etc you may be able to use the excellent
Dylon dyes at home. The customer care line for Dylon is 0173 774 2020. If you call be ready to tell them the fibre content
of your garment and they will advise on the best Dylon product to use. If you do not feel like tackling this at home by all
means ask us.
We would advise against attempting to dye large or heavy items at home as it will be virtually
impossible to achieve a level shade or colour fastness with domestic equipment. The result is usually a "tie-dye" effect
and we receive a number of these to rescue.
It is not practical to dye garments made of wool, mohair, alpaca, cashmere etc. These fibres will
"felt" (become matted) unless they have been treated to make them machine washable.
Polyester and acrylic cannot be dyed at home. Structured garments like jackets with padding in the
shoulders for example are unlikely to be suitable for dyeing.
Cotton, linen, viscose, acetate, silk in suitable garments may be dyed.
Hope this helps, but we are happy to give advice. You can use the form on this page to
send your queries which will be answered promptly.
Oh and yes we can dye faded jeans to black.
Anne Lucas
