Marble Dyeing Silk Scarves

“Marble” Dyeing Silk Scarves

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 🙂

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What You Need:

–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…

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

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.

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.

Have you tried dyeing silk?