Tuesday 8 October 2013

How to make Mustard with Dylon Fabric dyes

I searched online for a tutorial of how to make mustard with Dylon and couldn't find it. So thought I would write up what I managed to create in hope that someone may need to use it too. Mostly because the little Dylon fabric packets are pricey and if you mix the wrong ratios, your colours will be ruined and you will find yourself heading back to the shop to grab more.

My little disclaimer: I'm am not an expert at this, just a creative woman dying some fabric, this colour and method worked for my fabric and you should always follow the instructions on the packet.
Also wear something dark just in case you splash some at yourself if your on the heavy handed side like myself.

This was the colour result I achieved:
Photograph taken in kitchen with natural light shining in through open doorway. (It was Raining..again)

The fabric I started off with was a plain white cotton from John Lewis. Please remember that if your fabric is coloured your results may vary. The colour you obtain will also depend on the fabric you are using and how much, so again please read instructions.

I used the hand dye Sunflower yellow and Woodland brown to get this colour:

I made my mixture up following the instructions, using the whole packet of Sunflower yellow, then adding roughly 1/3 teaspoon of Woodland brown as shown in photograph.
Add a little bit at a time to achieve the colour you would like, as it highly pigmented and the mixture turns it dark very quickly. It's easier to add more and impossible to take any of the dark out. So be careful and patient.
I also added a little test strip first to see what it would look like, then added my fabric (pre rinsed)
 
Here's a picture of the material whilst in the dye:
 

This was after about 10 minutes. Just remember to keep stirring it around gently to get an even colour. Also, after you have dyed your fabric and washed it. I would suggest tumble drying it. This will ensure it dries quickly, as I put mine through a long wash to remove all of the dye, then left it to dry overnight on a clothes horse. There were creases that made slightly darker lines across the fabric. It was only a little, but enough to notice it.
 
If your making mustard and needed to see some results, I hope this helps you. I am using this fabric for an Elisalex dress, which I will be posting about next.
 
If you have any questions just leave a comment and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can.

10 comments:

  1. Thanks Amy, that's a great point, character, I like it. :)
    Also thank you for inspiring me with a colour choice.

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  2. That's a great colour! How much brown did you eventually use, just the 1/3 tsp? I am about to machine dye and would like to get the ratios similar!

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    1. Hi there thirza I'm just about to yrumachine dying a dress could you let me know what proportions you used. Thanks a million. Sarah p

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  3. Thank you. Yes I put the 1/3 of a teaspoon in. Hope your colour turned out well. I wouldn't be able to comment on the washing machine dye as I normally always use the hand dyes, I've personally always got a better result that way, unfortunately it's the messy way.

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  4. I would like a picture of the finished product, since I am looking for a specific color! Thanks!

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  5. Thanks so much for the info!

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  6. Thank you for sharing this info - exactly what I wanted to know!

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  7. Thanks for this. I use the dylon cold dyes all the time in my art and I can't believe that they don't have a colour mixing chart on their (not great) website. I'm sure they used to.

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  8. Hi I have a mustard coloured linen dress. Will I be able to cover it with navy dye successfully

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