A fun and easy way to make an original scarf is by making hand dyed silk scarves with Jacquard silk dyes! Using a microwave to set the dyes, the process to dye silk scarves is quick, easy and so much fun!
At a retreat at Camp Huston in Gold Bar, Washington, my friend Linda gave us a little tutorial on how to hand dye silk scarves using Jacquard Silk Dyes Green label. Then we dove in and dyed our own beautiful silk scarves.
How to Dye Silk Scarves
Dying silk scarves with special dyes for silk is a super fun and easy project.
All you need are some special silk dyes, a white silk scarf, an old casserole dish and a microwave oven. Have fun with different color combinations and designs.
Make your designs by twisting and folding your silk. Secure the folds with rubber bands, or stitch loosely with thread.
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Don't forget the rubber gloves! Or your hands will be the color of your new scarves - for days! 🙂
Materials
- Pre-made silk scarf in white
- Jacquard dyes for silk, in bottles with tips
- White vinegar
- Water
Tools
- Clothespins
- Rubber bands
- Plastic gloves
- Glass casserole dish NOT for food use
- Microwave oven
- Scissors
Instructions
- Start by gathering your supplies.
- Start by wetting your scarf in a mixture that is 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water.
- Next, fold, twist or tie your scarf. This will add more visual interest in how the dyes penetrate through the silk. Use rubber bands, sew with thread loosely or use clothespins or clips to hold the scarf folds and twists, so that there is a resist pattern.
Place your damp scarf, all twisted, folded and secure, in a microwave safe dish.
NOTE: Don't use this dish for food after you have used it for dyeing.
HINT: Pick up old casserole dishes at thrift shops or garage sales just for dyeing fabric. - Squeeze the dye on the scarf. Add many colors, or keep it one color - this is where you get to have fun!
- Once you have put all the dyes you'd like on the scarf, 'squish' it a bit to help the dyes soak through the scarf a bit more.
- Place your scarf, in its microwave safe dish, in the microwave. Set the microwave at high, then "cook" (heat set) the dye in the scarf for 3 minutes. (Read the directions that came with the dye you purchased).
- When the cooking time is up, Let the fabric cool. Then remove the rubber bands and/or stitching to release your scarf.
Take your scarf to a sink and rinse the scarf until the water runs clear.
- Hang your new scarf to dry. After drying, press lightly.
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Can you dye a silk scarf?
Yes! Using special dyes for silk, it is easy to create your one of a kind silk scarf at home. You can purchase the special silk dyes singularly, or purchase a set to have multiple colors and create a colorful silk scarf.
Are there other methods for dyeing silk scarves?
Yes! This is just one method that uses dyes specifically made for silk and a microwave is used to heat set the dyes. Regular fabric dyes work well with silk, and you can use textile paints to create color and pattern on silk, too.
How can I create patterns and designs on my scarf?
Gather some rubber bands, binder clips (or other larger clips), some string and other items to be able to add folds to your fabric. By folding your fabric, you’ll get nice lines with how you dip your scarf into the dye(s). With rubber bands you can create circles or bubbles with your scarf fabric to form different designs with the dyes. Play around and most of all have fun!
Browse through more surface design inspiration and projects on Create Whimsy.
