“Marble” Dyeing Silk Scarves |
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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.
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: |
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–100% Silk Scarf Blanks |
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Wash & SoakFirst 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. |
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FoldingHow 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… |
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Adding the DyeApply 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 |
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SteamingCarefully 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. |
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FinishingAll 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. |
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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? |
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Marble Dyeing Silk Scarves
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