Foam dye
Soft, pillowy patterns. Follow the guide below to create your piece.
Pick your item(s) to dye. Natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo and hemp and perfect for fibre reactive dyes. Synthetic fibres are not appropriate for fibre reactive dyes. If dyeing a protein fibre (silk, wool etc) please see our post “Dyeing protein fibres”
Prepare your item(s). Wash with detergent (no softener) and leave damp. If you are dyeing shoes cover soles and any elements you don’t want dyed.
Prepare your work area. Dyes can stain so please cover all surfaces. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained or an apron, and wear gloves provided.*
Make a soda ash solution. In a large tub* mix enough for your fabric, using 50g of soda ash per 1 litre of warm water.
Soak your damp item(s) in the soda ash solution for 15 minutes, then squeeze excess out, leaving it damp. You can reuse this soda ash solution.
Folding/tying items is not recommended for this method.
Prepare your dye. In a squirty bottle or other container* mix your dye colour(s). Use 1 tsp of dye powder per 125ml of water.
Fill a large container with a thick layer of shaving foam.
Apply liquid dye to the foam then swirl it to create desired patterns.
Gently press item into the foam, ensuring it is covered.
Remove item and lightly cover. Leave in a safe place for 24 hours for the most vibrant results.
Rinse your item for a couple of minutes under cool running water, then switch to warm water and rinse until fairly clear.
Wash alone or with other just rinsed items in your washing machine with detergent on your standard cycle.
Dry and enjoy!
* Additional safety considerations
Wearing a dust mask or respirator offers additional protection against inhalation of dye powders.
Please keep this out of reach of animals and children due to drowning risk.
Ensure no tools or containers used for dye are reused in future for food or drink. If using bottles for dye ensure they are labelled and kept out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.
