I tutored a workshop for our local group of the Australian Sewing Guild yesterday: Brilliant Colour on Synthetic Fabrics using heat transfer/dispersal dyes. This is always an enjoyable workshop to teach and I think the students enjoyed it too, as well as getting some good results. The pic shows some of them getting their work ready for show and tell at the end – then my camera memory card was full so no more photos.

A recipe for using the heat transfer dyes in a dye bath.
5-6grams of dye (1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons) will dye 100 grams of dry fabric.
Dark colours may require more dye powder – for pastel colours, use less dye: about 1/10 of the amount.
Good, dark shades (black or navy etc) require the use of Polyester Carrier. 1 – 2 teaspoons per litre of water in the dye bath.
Method:
Fill a cooking pot with enough warm water to cover the fabric.
Mix dye powder with a small amount of hot water and add to the dyebath. Stir to make sure dye is evenly distributed.
Add fabric (wet) to dyebath, making sure it is evenly covered.
Note: If you are using Polyester Carrier, it should be added before the dye. Simmer the fabric with the polyester carrier in the dye bath for 15 minutes before adding the dye mixture.
It can also be added during dyeing if deeper colour is needed.


Bring dyebath to the boil, stirring regularly. Simmer 30 – 80 minutes depending on depth of shade required.


Remove fabric after dyeing and rinse well – first in cold water, then wash fabric twice in HOT soapy water. Rinse in warm water until it runs clear. Wash fabric separately for the fist few times it is washed.

A safety note: Do not use any dyeing utensils for food cooking or preparation. Use a dust mask when measuring dye powder. Avoid eye and skin contact.
(The polyester carrier has a strong smell, so do your dyeing in a well ventilated area)


Shibori methods can be used on fabric before dyeing.
Click here for more info and prices for dyes and chemicals