Denim Dyeing Instructions, Supplies & Tips
Holy '80s Flashback, Batman! Colored skinny jeans are the hottest new trend, but you might not want to fork over your hard earned cash to transform your wardrobe into a palette of dyed designer denim. With the proper supplies and instructions you can do it yourself at home. Save some time and learn the proper techniques before getting started. Learn about the best and brightest dyes to use on your jeans and where to buy them, plus some other interesting ways to alter your jeans with coffee grounds, paint, wax, sandpaper and a cheese grater?!
What Is the Best Dye for Denim?
The best permanent dye for natural, plant based fibers like cotton, linen, ramie, viscose rayon and silk is Procion MX Fiber Reactive Cold Water Dye
. The results will be permanent, colorfast, washable and far superior to grocery store dyes. There are many colors to choose from and they are also completely intermixable so you can create a brilliant palette of custom colors too. Procion dyes are concentrated. You just add water to make the most vibrant colored dye imaginable. The dyes and supplies needed are very inexpensive, so you can afford to transform lots of jeans into works of art and be the envy of all your friends.
This is a much easier process of dyeing than using RIT dye which often results in less bright colors.
This is a much easier process of dyeing than using RIT dye which often results in less bright colors.
Procion MX Fiber Reactive Cold Water Dye
When mixed with soda ash, Procion dyes are permanent, colorfast, and very washable. You can easily create a palette of brilliant colors ranging from light pastels to deep, vibrant hues. Procion is perfect for natural plant fibers - cotton, linen, paper, reeds, and wood. Do not use it to dye synthetics. Use Procion for tie-dye , vat dyeing, batik, airbrush, handpainting, printing, spatter-painting and more! This concentrated dye, which you add to hot water, gives you the most brilliant color of all dyes. Typically, 1 oz can dye more than 5 yards of fabric or about nine T-shirts . Click on the Resources tab for more information and detailed instruction sheets. Each bottle contains 2/3 oz (20 ml). The following ingredients are needed for fabric dyeing with Procion dyes: Jacquard ® Soda Ash (to make colors permanent) Jacquard ® Urea (a color enhancer) Jacquard ® Synthrapol (a liquid detergent)
Check your garment labels! Do not use Procion dye on synthetic, wool or blended materials because they do not respond to home dyeing methods. If you are not sure of your fabric content you can cut away a small sample piece and burn it. If it burns into a soft gray ash it is a natural fiber and should be safe. (Synthetic fabric turns hard when burned and crumbles into bits.) It is always a good idea to test a small section before dyeing the entire pair of jeans.[Image courtesy: http://flickr.com/photos/wmjas/139755438/]
*It is also important to know that jeans are usually sewn with polyester thread which will probably will not take to the dye and will remain the original color after the dyeing process. Keep this in mind when dyeing your jeans so there are no surprises with the finished result![Image courtesy: http://flickr.com/photos/49333775@N00/2383975585/]
How to Use Fiber Reactive Dyes
- Immersion Dyeing Using Procion MX Riber Reactive Dyes
- Immersion or tub dyeing is submerging the fiber being dyed in the dyebath containing water, a specific amount of dye, and the appropriate chemical assistants for a specific length of time. For smooth, even color, the dyebath must be stirred frequently. A large enamel or stainless steel container, or plastic bucket can be used for holding the dyebath. Printable instruction sheet - PDF.
- Procion MX Color Mixing Chart
- An unlimited color palette can be mixed with Procion MX fiber reactive dyes. Measured quantities of specific colors yield predictable new colors. These color formulas or recipes are suggestions for color. Printable instruction sheet - PDF.
- Hints & Tips for Dyeing with Procion MX Dyes
- Supplies, safety considerations, clean up and more! Printable instruction sheet - PDF.
- Tie-Dye Instructions
- Soda soak method and activated dye method plus hints on folding and binding.
- Home Washing Machine Dyeing Using MX Reactive Dyes
- For SOLID SHADE garment or piece dyeing on Cotton, Linen, Rayon & Silk. Five to eight pounds of fabric can be dyed at one time in a top loading home washing machine. Printable instruction sheet - PDF.
- How to Dye With Fiber Reactive Dye
- Basic recipe and instructions for Procion MX dyes on cellulose or silk.
- Unusual Dyeing Techniques
- Instructions for sprinkle dyeing, drip dyeing, dye painting, spray dyeing, and discharge dyeing.
- How to Dye With a Washing Machine
- If your goal is a single, smooth, even color, you'll need to immersion dye with a lot of water, and a lot of stirring. An easy way to avoid stirring, and to work with large volumes of water without having to carry the water yourself, is to use an automatic washing machine.
- Shaving Cream Dyeing
- Here's a unique method of using shaving cream and Dharma Fiber Reactive MX dyes to get beautiful marble effects on fabric.
Things You'll Need to Get Started
Rubbermaid #G304-12 Medium Heavy Duty Teal Rub Glove
Amazon Price: $2.40 (as of 07/05/2009) 
5 Gallon Bucket
Amazon Price: $6.10 (as of 07/05/2009)
KitchenAid Cook For The Cure Measuring Tool Set, Pink
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
PFY135RPDM1 - Dust/Filter Mask,Lightweight,Easy Breathing/Speaking,50/BX
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
Tips for Using Dyes
- When measuring dyes use separate spoons, and utensils. Do not mix with kitchen utensils or reuse for food items even after washing.
- Cover your work area to make cleanup easy and prevent stains.
- Wear rubber gloves and an apron or old clothing.
- When using powdered dyes like Procion MX it is always a good idea to wear a dust mask.
Supplies for Using Fiber Reactive MX Dyes
The following ingredients are needed for fabric dyeing with Procion dyes: Jacquard ® Soda Ash (to make colors permanent) Jacquard ® Urea (a color enhancer) Jacquard ® Synthrapol (a liquid detergent).
Instructions For Using Rit Dye
- Sink or Bucket Method Using Rit Dye
- This is the best technique for dyeing small or delicate items.
- Washing Machine Method Using Rit Dye
- Use this technique for maximum convenience and especially for large items.
- Stovetop Method Using Rit Dye
- This technique delivers the best color results when dyeing with black or other dark colors.
- Spot-Dyeing Method Using Rit Dye
- Use this technique when you need to color correct or dye a very small amount of fabric.
- Tie Dyeing Using Rit Dye
- Tie-dyeing is fun, creative, and easy to do! Create one-of-a-kind designs and colors by tying fabric with rubber bands or string and immersing in one, two, three, or more dye colors. Like magic, you'll turn plain "stuff" into kicky fashions.
- Creating Custom Colors With Rit Dye
- With RIT Dye, the color possibilities are endless! It's easy to create just the color you want by combining several RIT colors. Scroll down to see "color recipes" for some of our most requested colors.
- What Fabrics Can Work Best With Rit Dye
- RIT works best on many natural, washable fabrics, but there are fabrics that will not accept dye.
Reference Books
Fabric Dyeing for Beginners
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 07/05/2009)
Hands on Dyeing
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
The Dyer's Companion (The Companion Series)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2009)
The Craft of Natural Dyeing: Glowing Colours from the Plant World
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/05/2009)
More Methods of Dyeing Denim
- How to Make Vintage Jeans Using Coffee Grounds
- It's amazing the things you can find in the dumpster. We found some expired coffee grounds that were thrown out and decided to use them to making an old pair of worn out jeans look vintage and hip. Below, we'll show you how - including a video of the whole process at the bottom!
- DIY Waxed jeans
- Waxed/black coated jeans have been around for awhile, for example Acne and Dior Homme have made their own version of these jeans.
- Colored Skinny Jeans
- So, like the rest of the world, I was going to shell my hard earned cash on these...
- Using Kool-Aid For Dyeing - Do Not Use on Cotton Fabric!
- You have to try Kool-Aid dyeing! You don't need a separate set of utensils. If you hate the color, you can drink it. It makes the kitchen smell terrific. It works without any mordants. The colors are a stitch.
- Dying Fabric With Bleach
- No fancy equipment, no dangerous chemicals. Removing color with bleach may be the easiest surface-design technique yet.
- How to Distress Jeans
- I never thought I would someday be writing about how to distress jeans. It's really quite simple and not very expensive. The reason for the high cost of this look in designer jeans is the fact that it is more often than not achieved with a high labor cost. The processes involved require a great deal of attention to detail and cannot be fully automated.
- Make Your Own Bleach Pens
It's easy to make your own bleach pens to write and doodle on your cotton jeans and t-shirts. Simply use a mixture of one Tbsp. bleach and one Tbsp. water and apply to your jeans with an old marker. Be careful not to spill or drip on your clothes or work area and it's always a good idea to work in well ventilated area when using bleach. Keep in mind that black fabrics will turn orange or yellow when bleached, not white.
Dye up to 15 adult-size T-shirts, with vivid, electric colors that are so colorfast they can be washed with the daily laundry. Procion MX Fiber Reactive Dyes are already pre-measured for you in squeeze bottles. Just add tap water. An additional empty bottle is provided for mixing color as desired. Use on any non-synthetic fabric. This kit includes the following materials: 3 dye colors - Red (Fuchsia), Yellow (Lemon Yellow), and Blue (Turquoise) 4 squeeze bottles Soda ash dye fixer Rubber bands 1 pair of rubber gloves Complete instructions for doing spirals, stripes, and other geometric designs
Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow Fabric Colors
Dye-Na-Flow is a free-flowing textile paint made to simulate dye. These highly concentrated, translucent colors are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for silk painting, airbrushing, tie-dying or simplified batik techniques, or apply with brush or sponge. Great on any untreated natural or synthetic fiber. Requires heat setting with iron or clothes dryer. Not to be used for marbling. Textile paint that simulates dye. Perfect for silk painting, airbrush, batik or tie dye onnatural or synthetic fabrics. Colors include Sun Yellow, Golden Yellow, Bright Orange, Scarlet, Magenta, Violet, Periwinkle, Turquoise, and Chartreuse.
How to Make Skinny Jeans
Watch the tutorial video (above) or follow the links (below) to learn how to transform your old jeans into skinny jeans.
- How to Make Skinny, Pegged & Cigarette Jeans
- It seems like everywhere i go, i hear people asking how to make skinny fit pants. so here's how.
- How to Make Skinny Jeans | eHow.com
- How to Make Skinny Jeans. Here's a way to make skinny jeans that fit while recycling a pair of old jeans in the process. You can use flares or boot cuts. Just make sure it's a pair that fit well through the waist and seat.
- Cut Out + Keep | How To » Skinny Jeans
- Craft how-to - Resize your baggy jeans in to a pair of skinny jeans! in 9 steps. Time: 60 minutes, By: Mia
- YouTube - HOW TO make jeans skinny
- the steps:1. put on the jeans inside out2. pin it3. sow along the pins4. cut off the excess fabric5. turn it right side out again6. try it on to see if it fits.
Supplies Needed for Making Skinny Jeans
Straight Pins
Amazon Price: $2.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Too Lazy to DIY?
Find Colored Jeans Here Too!!
DC Legging Colored Denim Pant - Women's
Holy '80s flashback, Batman! The slim-fit DC Women's Legging Colored Jeans are a bitchin' addition to your side ponytail and high-top sneaks. These low-rise tapered jeans have a teency bit of spandex woven into their fabric so you can reenact flash dance without ripping your seams. View Sizing Chart Bottom Line Pull on the skinny-fit DC Legging Colored Jeans and practice popping your Dubble Bubble. Product Features *Material: 99% Cotton, 1% spandex *Inseam: 32.5in (82.5cm) *Waist: Belt loops *Rise: 7.25in (18.5cm) *Pockets: 2 Front, 2 coin, 2 back *Fly: Zipper *Gusseted Crotch: No *Recommended Use: Casual, skateboarding *Manufacturer Warranty: 30 Days
Colored Skinny Jeans
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What's Your Favorite Jean Color?
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Dollhouse Colored Skinny Jeans
AVAILABLE ONLINE AND IN SELECT STORES ONLY! These Dollhouse Colored Skinny Jeans feature a bright color wash, skinny leg, classic 5 pocket style, and a zipper fly with button closure. Inseam 31". Rise 7". Machine washable.
Women's Jeans
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Men's Jeans
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byLove 'Em OR Hate 'Em?
Will you be wearing colored jeans this year?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byColored Jeans Rock My World!
Savannah says:
i love colored jeans! i have teal, purple, red, black, brown, gray, white/grayish! i love them!
Posted January 04, 2009
They Are Hideous!
Erin says:
They're disgusting. My school is getting into acid washed purple skinny jeans. And half of the people wearing them are NOT skinny. Ridiculus.
Posted June 24, 2009
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Use Household Items to Wreck Your Jeans
Watch the video (above) to see how to distress your own jeans using household objects!
Trudeau 0991100 4-Sided Cheese Grater
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
3M 9005NA Aluminum Oxide Sandpaper, 9-Inch x 11-Inch, Assorted
Amazon Price: $4.19 (as of 07/05/2009)
[Image courtesy: http://flickr.com/photos/linnybinnypix/432356076/] What Else to Do With Old Jeans
- How to Recycle Jeans into a Skirt
- You've surely seen tons of these around. They seem to go in and out of the popular style, but they always have a certain bohemian or resourceful type of charm. For this project, you need one pair of old jeans or pants, and thread that matches the topstitching on those pants.
- Weekly DIY Roundup: Old Jeans!
- Make old jeans into something new! I'll start out with this wallet by pkruep on instructables because I love it and it's a perfect jeans-leftovers project for guys and girls both.
- DIY: Upcycle Old Jeans Into A Sexy Mini
- This is a fabulous fun mini skirt project that will leave you some left over scraps for a DIY 'bring your own bag' project after. Don't fret, it's quite easy to make those jeans into a denim mini!
- How to Make a Jean skirt Out of Jeans
- Got a pair of old jeans lying around? Why not turn them into a new stylish skirt? It's really simple, just follow the directions...
- To Donate, or Recreate: Where Should Your Old Jeans Go? : TreeHugger
- Photo Courtesy of Neatorama Next time you're home, look around your closet. Your attic. How many pairs of jeans do you have there, unworn for months, years, decades even? I have four. Aside from the ones you keep for.
- Recycled Clothing - From Old Jeans to New Skirt
- As clothing needs and individual tastes become more varied, and while economic difficulties continue, sewing will continue to grow. Recycling is part of that art. Worn jeans reclaimed as a skirt are a good introduction to the process of ...
- 365 Days Of Trash: Recycle Your Old Jeans
- Recycle Your Old Jeans. Well, if you live in the UK anyway. Kind of a cool thing though. I haven't contacted them but plan to when i get some time to check them out. i like the concept though. Anyone done this? ...
- make it: 4th of July Table Runner w/ recycled jeans - Jewelry
- There are three of them stalking through Connie's latest free pattern collection. Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Create fun and graphic letter & number decopauge jars in a flash! Cathie Filian Recycle old jeans and fabric scraps ...
99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/05/2009)
InJEANious: 52 Ways to DIY Denim
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/05/2009)
Jean Therapy: Denim Deconstruction for the Conscientious Crafter (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Denim Redesign: 20 Projects to Reconstruct & Embellish Jeans, Overalls, and Jackets
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/05/2009)
*Dyed Jean Tip
If you have a favorite pair of jeans, but the dye rubs off and stains your other clothing, here's a quick and easy fix. Put your jeans in a bucket of vinegar and water. Soak overnight. The vinegar will help to set the dye.
Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls)
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/05/2009)
Tell Your Friends!
spirituality wrote...
I had yellow jeans that I absolutely loved - early nineties though. And yes, now that you mention it, they were skinny jeans.
Posted March 26, 2009
Jimmie wrote...
Very very fun lens!! I still love colored denim. I am such an 80's child. Lots of info here. Too bad my hips, tummy, and thighs don't look like those pics.
Posted January 19, 2009
jeffwend wrote...
Very cool idea. I see these skinny colored jeans everywhere these days.
Posted January 14, 2009
EverythingMouse wrote...
I confess I used to have some purple jeans - I think I was about 12 years old though!
Posted January 03, 2009
mulberry wrote...
Oh yeah, I had the skinny jeans, all the colors of the rainbow 20 plus years ago. My favorites where a "seafoam green"...Great lens..saw you on Lensroll.com.
Posted January 03, 2009
Keep Your Pants Up!
Awesome Belts to Go With Your New Colored Jeans
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References Used:
http://www.thecraftstudio.com/heddi/dying.htm
by enslavedbyfaeries
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