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    Marble Dyeing Silk Scarves

    Updated: Jan 17, 2020 by Annette Browning

    Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may receive a commission.
    See Disclosure for details.

    “Marble” Dyeing Silk Scarves

    How to Marble Dye Silk Scarves, FiberArtsy.com
    Don’t you just love a pretty, colorful silk scarf? Did you know that it’s actually very easy to dye your own? All you need is the right tools and some basic know-how.



    There are many, many different techniques for “marble” dyeing fabric. I like to experiment with different folding and tie-dyeing methods. Also, there are many ways to set the dye so your final scarf won’t bleed. The acid dyes I use have to be heat set. This can be done by steaming your scarves, heating in the oven or with your microwave. I personally stay away from microwaving silk scarves because it’s too unpredictable (and can burn up your microwave).

    To begin, you want to cover your table with plastic and put on old clothes! This stuff dyes everything. Oh yeah, rubber gloves too if you don’t want purple fingers 🙂


    (This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Fiberartsy may receive a small commission)

    What You Need:

    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com
    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com

    –100% Silk Scarf Blanks
    –Jacquard Acid Dyes
    –White Vinegar
    -Plastic Gallon Bags
    -Disposable plates and cups
    -Roasting Pan with steamer basket or old pie tins (disposable -don’t use for food after dyeing!)
    -Latex gloves (optional)
    -Water


    Wash & Soak

    First you want to wash your silk scarves in warm, soapy water to remove any sizing and oil from your hands.

    Heat up about a cup of vinegar to very warm, but not hot temp. (Silk loses its luster if exposed to very high temps.) Soak your scarves in the vinegar for about 20 minutes.

    While your scarves are soaking, mix up the dyes according to the directions on the dye container. (Make sure to read and follow the safety precautions s.a. wearing a mask to mix the dye powder!)Take your scarves out of the vinegar and squeeze out the excess liquid.

    Folding

    How you fold or scrunch your scarf will determine the pattern. For the first scarf, I wanted an “accordion” pattern so I folded it in half lengthwise and beginning at one end, loosely folded it back and forth.

    Scarf 2, I just wadded and scrunched up in a ball.

    Place each scarf on a disposable plate. Now comes the fun part…

    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com
    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com

    Adding the Dye

    Apply 2-3 colors of dye to each scarf – just enough to saturate the fabric. As you can see, I used a bit too much dye but that’s ok 🙂

    Scarf 1 colors: Sapphire Blue and Hot Fuschia
    Scarf 2 colors: Emerald Green, Turquoise and Yellow Sun

    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com
    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com

    Steaming

    Carefully lift your scarf (keeping the shape) and let some of the excess dye drain. Place in plastic bag. (Separate bags if you’re doing more than one)

    Now, place the steamer basket (or old pie tins) in the bottom of your roasting pan to keep the bags out of the water. Add about an inch of water and place your plastic bags on top.

    Cover the roaster. Turn burner on medium heat and once the water begins to simmer, turn down to low. Simmer for about 1 hour. Take a peek under the lid a couple of times to make sure there is steam. This is needed to set the dye.

    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com
    Dyeing Silk Scarves, Fiberartsy.com

    Finishing

    All that’s left now is to carefully take the scarf out of the bag – It will be HOT – and rinse in warm water until the water runs clear. If the scarf continues to bleed, which happens sometimes, simply pop it in a clean bag and steam again.

    Marble Dyeing Silk Scarves. Step by step dyeing tutorial by FiberArtsy.com. Silk Scarves make a great DIY Gift!
    These dyed silk scarves make fabulous gifts! Give them for Christmas and Birthdays. They are affordable and fun to make.

    Have you tried dyeing silk?

    Marble Dyed Silk Scarf a FiberArtsy.com tutorial
    Marble Dyeing Silk Scarves. Step by step dyeing tutorial by FiberArtsy.com. Silk Scarves make a great DIY Gift!

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    About Annette Browning

    Annette is a long time fiber artist and former alpaca farm owner. She shares her love of dyeing, felting, crochet and knitting as well as other craft projects.

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