Dying Aida

[spinuntilyoufall]

Thanks for the how to, gamerwolff - that sounds like a ton of fun!!! Sounds like a good project for this weekend...

[gamerwolff]

It is a ton of fun and gives me that nice old fashione feeling when i do something like this. Its a ton of fun. ome note though when you boil on stove pot needs to be stainless steel. i also wear a plastic smock when i do this.....although if you dont want to shell out 20 bucks like i did...just use a trash bag with arm and head hole or a thin poncho....like $1 at walmart and disposable! ^.^

[dangergerbil]

Just seen this thread, why couldnt I have found something like this 3 months ago when I was looking for how to do this.

However I did find another method that is both quick and simple.
I found on another forum someone saying that you could use modelling spray undercoat paints to dye fabric an even colour.

I had an old can of Games workshop chaos black spray so i decided to give it a try, and it worked very well. It's also ideal for dying small amount of aida

Just cut to size you need for your design, then seal the edges with masking tape to prevent fraying(or whatever you prefer). Spread some old newspaper down (preferabbly outside, dont want to spraypaint your carpet by mistake) and put the fabric ontop of it and just spray the paint from about 5cm away onto the fabric. Leave for 30 mins to dry and its ready to use.

Next time im doing this all take some before and after photos and post them up.

[gamerwolff]

Never would've thought of that....Im going to have to try! Please post when done. I'm thinking a metallic spray....that would be epic!

[gamerwolff]

Here is a fantabulous resource! I tells you specifics on how to dye different materials and how to achieve effects.

http://www.ritdye.com/dyeing-techniques

This one also shows things like how to do specific tye dye patterns.

http://www.ritdye.com/diy-projects-all

And this link is my favorite....it has instructions on how to achieve over 500 different colors! Looking for a custom color background? You can find it here and do it yourself for a fraction of the cost it takes to go buy those beautiful custom dye fabrics everyone loves.

http://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide

Hope you guys enjoy i love their site!

[RMDC]

I'm just nudging this to say thanks to you, gamerwolff, because I followed your instructions last page to the letter and came out with two beautifully dyed swaths of aida. I'm glad you talked about ironing it in, because that wasn't in any of the other guides I've read.

[kuja.girl]

Coffee/tea staining worked pretty well on a cotton even weave and aida cloth so I don't see why not :)

If you have some money, you could buy some of the awesome linens available in bright colors - see here (scroll down past the text) for examples.

[monkeypeaches]

Thank you for the awesome explanation gamerwolff! The only question I have now is whether mixing it around in a pot dyes the fabric evenly, or if it gives it a cloudy effect?

[funkymonkey]

I have dyed all my fabric in a 5 gal. bucket, stirring with a large cooking spoon. It hasn't ever been blotchy, even though the cloth gets lumpy as you stir it. I just try to rotate it and un-ball it periodically with the spoon.

[monkeypeaches]

Thanks funkymonkey! I'm really excited to try dying some fabric! I have a weird aversion to white backgrounds and a love of pastels, so this will help