Induction : Weave Dye (Y25)

Dyeing synthetic fabrics might seem a little daunting at first, but once you understand the basics, it can be a fun and satisfying process. Disperse dyes are commonly used to colour synthetic yarns and fabrics such as viscose, polyester, and monofilament, and they allow you to achieve strong, long-lasting colour. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step through the disperse dyeing process, explaining the key stages, safety requirements, and simple calculations you’ll need to get started with confidence.

If this is your first time dyeing, don’t worry—taking your time and working safely is all part of learning. Always wear the recommended protective equipment, work in a well-ventilated space, and follow studio instructions carefully when handling dyes and chemicals. These small safety steps will help keep you comfortable and protected, so you can enjoy experimenting and building your skills as you go.

Dyeing with Dysperse dyes

Used for dyeing synthetic yarns including viscose, polyester and monofilament.

Health and safety

• Gloves, lab coat and eye protection MUST be worn when weighing out chemicals and dyeing.

• Masks and extraction units MUST be used when weighing powders.

• Encased and non-slip footwear MUST be worn.

• The gas burners MUST NEVER be left unattended.

• Large/heavy dye vats MUST be lifted by two people.

• If you feel any irritation whilst dyeing, please report to a first aider or emergency services.

Dysperse Dying Method

1. Weigh your dry fabric/yarn, this weight will be used in your dye/chemical calculations.

2. Wash fabric in cold water and soap or prepare yarn for dyeing (scour/wash/boil off in relation to yarn type). Remember to beat out your skein. Leave to soak in some water.

3. Calculate quantities of each chemical using the chart bellow.

4. Measure out the required amount of warm water into a metal dye vat.

5. Measure out each chemical in separate pots then add to the dye vat, stirring between each to dissolve.

6. Wring out fabric or briefly spin dry yarn to remove excess water Place the damp fabric/yarn into the dye vat. Be sure to unfold any creases. With yarn move it towards you in a circular motion making sure the dye has penetrated the whole skein.

7. Turn the gas burner on. Heat slowly until the vat is at a simmer (80°c - 90°c). Keep the fabric/yarn moving gently throughout the dyeing process. Be very gentle with yarn to avoid tangles.

8. Continue dyeing at around 30 minutes. Stir carefully and frequently to avoid patchy yarn.

9. Remove the fabric/yarn from the dye vat. Rinse in plenty of warm water and soap flakes until clear, then rinse in cold water, continue alternating between warm and cold water until clear no more colour is running.

10. For fabric spin dry and iron. For yarn beat out your skein then spin dry. Beat again before placing in the drying cabinet.

Dysperse Dye Example Test

Fabric = 13.37g - 3 pieces

Dye colour = Dysperse Mid, RED EFG 1%

+ Dysperse BLACK EBT 1%

Chemicals Required:

Dye	​weight of cloth/yarn (g) x % shade = Dye (g)100NOTE : Shades can be up to 1% (2% for black)
Warm Water	weight of cloth/yarn (g) x 30 = Water (ml)
Calgon PT	0.001 x water (ml) = Calgon PT (g)
Ammonium Sulphate	0.0007 x weight of fabric/yarn = Ammonium Sulphate (g)
Dispersing Agent	0.001 x water (ml) = Dispersing Agent (g)

Chemicals Used:

Dye	13.37 x 2% = 0.2674g = Dye in grams 100 2 = 0.1337g
Warm Water	13.37g x 30 = 401.1ml Water in ml
Calgon PT	401.1ml = 0.4011g Calgon PT in grams1000
Ammonium Sulphate	0.7 x 401.1 = 028077g Ammonium Sulphate in grams     1000
Dispersing Agent	401.1 = 04011g Dispersing Agent in grams1000

30 minuets + Extra 20 minuets

Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide helps make disperse dyeing feel a little less intimidating and a lot more fun. Enjoy experimenting with colour, take your time, and most of all—happy dyeing!