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Tip Store: Crafts & Hobbies: Dyeing

​Dylon Multi-purpose Dye

I find Dylon multi-purpose dyes are great. Price ranges from $7-$8 depending on where you find it. The great thing is that with the multi-purpose dye is that its made with water and salt. I have kept leftover dye in a childproof bucket for over a month and it still works wonderfully. I also used the leftover dye to then dye a lot of towels and sheets and had plenty left over! I found my dye at the local chemist, so it's worth it to have a look around. Also try Spotlight as they often have discounts for their members and you can sign up for free on their website.
​- Contributed by Tiffany, Charlestown, October 3rd 2006

​Tea Dyeing

Depending on the colour you required of course, black tea or coffee is used to make lovely cream or beige colours out of plain calico or cheesecloth materials. Adjust the strength of the tea or coffee depending on the depth of colour required. Air dry, then rinse in cold water.
​- Contributed by Deanne, Echuca, October 3rd 2006

​Powdered Dye

​You can buy Dylon powdered dye in up to 50 different colours from Spotlight. I find whilst the initial cost is a tad bit more expensive than the supermarket dyes these last up to three or four years (when stored correctly0 take up minimal storage space and achieve brilliant results. I have used the majority of their products and am thrilled with the results- on several occasions dying more items than the initial one I'd desired. Further more to this date I've not had any fading or undesired staining/ running. - Contributed by Kellie, Horsham, October 3rd 2006

​Lessons in Dyeing

You could try contacting a Steiner or Waldorf School. They do lots of dyeing and some also run dying workshops. You can often buy small amounts of dye at very cheap prices and they work really well. If you're in Sydney you could try contacting Batik Otoro at Randwick or check their website. They have heaps of dyes. Good luck!
​- Contributed by Sandy, Doonside, October 3rd 2006

​Local Library Resource for Dyeing Information

I suggest you go to your local library and ask if they have any books on making Dyes from Natural products. I know a lot of the rugs in Turkey are dyed this way using natural products like onion skins, vegetable and other plant dyes. Good Luck.
​- Contributed by Glenda, Doolandella, October 4th 2006