Question: How to Dye Cellulose Fibers
"I have a shirt that is 100% cotton. What is the best way to dye it orange?"
Answer: Cotton is one of many cellulose fibers, including hemp, rayon and linen. Cellulose fibers are made from plants, and take fiber reactive dye very well. [List of Cellulose Fibers]
Fiber reactive dye is the kind that you find in tie dye kits, because t-shirts are typically 100% or mostly cotton, and these are a popular canvas for tie-dye.
The fiber reactive dye creates a molecular bond with the cellulose material, so that the dye actually becomes part of the fabric. This means the dye will remain vibrant and permanent throughout the life of the clothing (more about fiber reactive dye and where to find it).
Fiber reactive dyes work in cold water, so any tutorial on fiber reactive dye shouldn't involve heat. It is also advised to soak your fabric in a mordant (thing that makes the dye stick better). For fiber reactive dyes, soda ash works great to help the dye bond to the fiber molecules.
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Ways to Use Fiber Reactive Dye
- Dip Dye Clothing in Cold Water
- Tie Dye Instructions
- Toward the bottom of an informational page from Dharma Trading Co., you'll find a few recipes for dying in a tub or washing machine.
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Protein (Wool, Cashmere, Silk)
- What are Protein Fibers?
- How to Dye Protein Fibers
- Learn about Acid Dyes
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Cellulose (Cotton, Linen, Hemp)
- What are Cellulose Fibers?
- How to Dye Cellulose Fibers
- Learn about Fiber Reactive Dye
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Synthetics (Spandex, Nylon, Polyester)
- List of Synthetic Fibers
- How to Dye Synthetic Fibers
