In this article, we are going to show you seven different ways to use dye to create your own unique dance costume. There are many different methods but these seven are some of our favorites.
The first technique we are going to show you will make your costume unique by creating a watercolor effect. The color will go from light to dark with added spots of color. Adding the darker spots of color at the top of the garment is necessary to prevent this beautiful watercolor effect from looking like an ombre effect.
The second dye method is our favorite technique. It is something that is exciting and creates a lot of movement. It creates flames using fabric and dye.
The next technique is creating an ombre effect. We use two colors but you can go with one color. Just start light and go darker. In our demonstration, we started with the Mauve and then went to Pearl Gray to get this nice rich color difference in here.
We are now going to show you how to create the accordion effect. This technique allows you to create your own individual costume which is great to use if you are looking for that 70’s feel without that psychedelic color scheme that was prevalent then.
In this section we are going to show you the basics of using fabric dye. It is really simple to do and it allows you to create your own fabric. This would be the perfect first step for you to learn how to use dye.
This next method is mixing dye and paint together. It is a great technique where you use dabs of color rather than dipping the fabric into the water. It is a wonderful way to get a unique fabric that nobody else will have.
In this next technique, we are going to show you how to use fabric dye and paint to create a forest feel. This is perfect if you do not want a straight out camouflage fabric but you want it to feel forestry – like you are in the middle of the forest. Depending on the theme of your dance, this is a great technique.
NOTES TO REMEMBER:
There are a number of things to remember that apply to all methods of dyeing fabrics or garments. Following are a number of things you want to remember.
Pots and Tools – Any pots, pans, rubber gloves, spoons or any other tools used in the dyeing process should be designated for dyeing only. This alleviates any possibility of contaminating your cooking utensils and contaminating your food.
Fabric or Garment – Make sure that the fabric or garment you wish to dye will actually accept fabric dye.
Clothing – Remember that no matter how careful you are, you are more likely than not to get spots on your clothes when you are dyeing fabrics or garments. Therefore, you should always use an apron. If you do not have an apron available, wear old clothes that you do not care about so any spots will not matter. Actually, even when wearing an apron, we still consider using old clothing. Better safe than sorry.
Preparation – When you use powdered dye, make sure you dissolve the dye in a small bowl of very, very hot water. You need to make sure that the dye is totally dissolved or you will have tiny specks of dye all over the fabric or garment. If you use liquid dye, shake the bottle real well before using it.
Darkness and Richness of Color – There are three things that control how dark and how rich the color is. The first thing is the temperature of the water. The hotter the water is, the darker and richer the color. The other has to do with how much dye you use. The more dye, the darker and richer the color. When adding dye to the water, it is better to start our using less dye. If the dyed garment is not dark enough, take the garment out of the water and add more dye. Then re-dip the garment to get the color you want. The third method is to leave it in the dye longer. This will also make the garment darker.
Setting the Dye – It is important to make sure that you set the color when you are finished dyeing the fabric or garment and there are a few different ways to do that. First of all, you can rinse the article in cold, running water. The cold water stops the dyeing process. Next, you can wash the article in a vinegar bath which is a mixture of a half cup of vinegar and a sink of water. You can also do the same with a salt bath which is created by mixing a cup of salt with a sink of water. Both of those procedures work the same way to stop the dyeing process and set the color. Another way to set the color is to rinse the garment and heat set the color. You can heat set the fabric or garment by laying the fabric or the garment in the sun, using a hairdryer or using a steamer – but do not use an iron. If you decide to heat set the color by putting the fabric or garment into the clothes dryer, you need to rinse the document in the washing machine. Afterwards, make sure to clean the dryer by wiping it down with a bleach mixture.
Softening the Fabric or Garment – We find that using fabric softener in the final rinse gives the dance garment a very pleasing feel. The garment is softer, especially where paint has been used, and the garment moves much better.
Cleaning up after dyeing – Whatever means you use to dye your garment, you need to use bleach to clean up behind you. If you use the sink, make sure to rinse the sink with bleach and then wipe the sink down with a mixture of bleach and water. Any pots or utensils you use should be dedicated to dyeing only and should also be rinsed with bleach. After dyeing articles in the washing machine, clean the washer out using at least a cup of bleach into the water and putting the machine through the wash cycle. We have a load of old towels that we throw in the washer with the bleach. If we have used the dryer in the setting process, we use the same towels to clean the dryer. First, wipe the dryer down with a bleach mixture and then put these towels in the dryer.
1. Creating a Watercolor Effect
In this first step, we are going to show you how to create a watercolor effect using dye. We are going to use a white skirt in our demonstration since that will make the skirt so much easier to see.
2. Creating Flames Using Fabric and Dye
Next, we will show you how to create a flame effect using dye and fabric. It is a great, unique look if you want that fiery, flaming look. If you are using a really saucy dance, it is a great idea to use this type of effect.
3. Creating an Ombre Effect Using Dye
Now, we are going to show you how to create an ombre effect using dye. This is a unique technique that is easy for you to do to that will create your own original costume that no one else will have.
4. Creating an Accordion Effect
We are going to show you how to create an accordion effect using dye and fabric. It is a wonderful look that gives your costume a 70’s feel. If that is what you are looking for, this might be the perfect process just for you.
5. Using Fabric Dye
We are going to show you how to use fabric dye. It is really easy to do and you can create your own fabric that no one else has. So, if you are looking for a specific color, your favorite color and you cannot find it in fabric, this is the answer for you. You can even mix colors to come up with your own color that no one else could possibly have.
Our favorite brand of fabric dye is Rit. It provides a rich dark color. Most of the other brands of fabric dye do not work well with Lycra fabrics or with mesh fabrics. You just do not receive that rich color or dark color with other brands and they are a lot harder to use whereas Rit is really simple to use. But, make sure you are wearing gloves and either an apron or clothes that you do not mind getting stained because trust us, there will be one drop that will end up on your clothes and ruin them forever.
6. Using Both Dye and Paint
For this next method, we are going to show you how to use paint and dye to create a kind of spotted fabric. The paint just gives it a bit of added texture. You can spread the paint around, paint a design on the garment if you want or just use your fingers. Sometimes we use this process and add other things. Usually we do this in addition to other dyeing techniques.
7. Using Both Dye and Paint
For this next method, we are going to show you how to use paint and dye to create a kind of spotted fabric. The paint just gives it a bit of added texture. You can spread the paint around, paint a design on the garment if you want or just use your fingers. Sometimes we use this process and add other things. Usually we do this in addition to other dyeing techniques.
