I just got a GREAT deal on a silk jersey dress because the pattern is ugly... it's a light-colored snakeskin pattern and I thought I'd dye it black or dark blue to make it look nicer. Anyone have experience dying this fabric (100% silk) or anything else? I'm new at this, so all tips on how to do it or what products to use would be great!

i've dyed silk, but not jersey in particular. you need a good dye for protein fibers, and many types can be found at www.dharmatrading.com.

the most important points for dyeing fabric evenly are to measure the dye and dye assists carefully, and make sure there is PLENTY of room for the fabric to move in the dyebath. for a long dress, you'll probably want to mix the dyebath in your washing machine or the most outrageously huge cooking pot you can find.

stella

Thanks for your help, Stella! One question: what's a dye assist? (You can tell I have no idea what I'm doing!) Do you have any experience or thoughts on RIT dye?

RIT dye sucks. it fades, the color is never anything like what it's described, and it's generally a cheap and inferior product.

any of the silk dyes at Dharma Trading are good, and they have info to help you choose. what you'll be doing is "tub" dyeing. "dye assists" are things like acid (acetic or vinegar), salt, soda ash, etc. and they help the dye stick to the fiber. most dyes need one type of assist or another. with protein fibers they are usually vinegar and salt.

stella

Thanks, Stella! I hope your good advice works!!

dyeing is an art. you might want to practice on something less expensive than silk jersey first, because first-time dye experiments are usually less than perfect! good luck.

stella