Video: Dyes for Lingerie Fabrics

Learn about the best dyes for lingerie fabrics and trims | Cloth Habit

Today I have a special treat for you guys. A few months back I started writing up a dyeing tutorial. The whole time I kept thinking, this should really be a video. It was time for me to break out the camera and lights and try something new!

If you have been following along with my bra making adventures, you know how much I love dyeing my lingerie fabrics. I started doing this because it wasn’t easy to find matching notions and fabrics.

Bra making kits are one solution to that, and for many they are an easy way to jump in and get going. Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone else curate those decisions for you, isn’t it?

But I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a color perfectionist. My husband and I are in the middle of a kitchen renovation and picking a white paint that won’t clash with the white appliances has been an entire process in itself! (I have to go back to the swatch in the morning, in the afternoon, at night by the kitchen light. Because light changes everything!)

Dyeing gives me more choice but also lets me get closer to those colors I have in my brain. And honestly, I just love playing with dyes.

In this first video I introduce you to a few types of dyes.

It’s easy to get confused by the various brands and dye types out there and how to use them. So before you reach for that cute little packet of dye at the craft store, check this out!

Watch

In my next video I’ll show you exactly what an acid dye “recipe” is, and dye materials for one of my bra sets. It’s super simple, and much quicker than you think!

Where to Buy Acid Dyes

I mentioned three brands of acid dye but there are more. Here is a list of acid dyes with links to where you can purchase them:

And that’s it for today.

I’m still working on part two so if there is something you want me to show (or explain) about dyeing bra materials, let me know!

28 comments

  2. Rebecca Silva says:

    I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the hard work and effort it took for you to make such a great post and video! Thank you! It is a HUGE help!! Thanks for all your posts on the subject, you do beautiful work. 😉

  5. Naomi says:

    Great video. I made my first bra sewing along with you. You are an inspiration. Looking forward to the next tutorial. ☺

  6. Bella says:

    What an informative video! I think that I absorbed the information much better through the video than I would have through written content. Really looking forward to the next instalment.

    • Amy says:

      Thanks Bella! That’s encouraging. There are definitely advantages to both ways, and I absorb things differently when I’m watching someone teach or talk.

  7. Barbara Jay says:

    THANK YOU!! Great information –
    I realize I need to learn to dye my lingerie fabric and notions, because it is difficult enough to find “any” lingerie fabric or notions much less in the colors I want.
    When you make the dying process video will you include the type of kettle you use? Aluminum, Stainless steel, enameled or doesn’t it matter. I wonder if various metals interact differently with dyes.

    Thanks again!
    Barbara

    • Amy says:

      Hi Barbara, I’m glad this helped! Yes, I will talk about what pots to use. Mostly you want to avoid aluminum–it does react with dyes.

  10. Karen says:

    This was one of the most comprehensive and helpful things I’ve found about dyes. I’ve been sewing clothing and handbags for a long time but I am just ready to “stick my toe in the water” of bra making. I’m one who is never satisfied with the variety of color choices in stores. This opens the door to a whole other world of possibilities! I’ve done lots of dyeing but it hasn’t always been successful. Now I understand why!
    You have a great presence on camera and your information has been much appreciated and instructive!

  11. Linda Johnsnon says:

    Hi Ann! I have been searching for tips on dyeing lingerie fabrics because like you, I am just soooo picky about matching! Was delighted to find this tutorial. Did you ever make the Part 2? I have been trying to find it, but have not been successful. Am I missing it or is it still in the making? Thanks for your great information.

    • Amy says:

      Hi Linda,

      It’s still in the making! I filmed myself dyeing bra materials but made a huge mistake in cutting off my head (new camera foibles!). I hope to finish it soon. Dyeing has become a great passion of mine, so do stay tuned. I will definitely be writing more about it.

  12. Maggie says:

    Hi Amy, I’ve just bought some Jacquard dyes and plan to start experimenting soon, but I’d like to second the votes above for a dyeing tutorial! I would love to see it. This video was so helpful and so well done, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next. 🙂

  13. Sue says:

    Awesome video.
    you are a natural. I have done heaps of dyeing of plant fabrics with procion, and a few skeins of wool with acid. Not that confident with acid dyes so this was a beautiful reminder of whys and wherefores, and i have long admired your creations with your dyed fabrics & notions. I look forward to further videos, and feel sure my confidence mojo will return so i can have a go with hand dyed lingerie ❤️. Regards Sue x

    • Amy says:

      Hi Sue,

      thanks for stopping by! I’ve been jumping into acid dyeing wool, and the great thing about dyeing nylon or silk is that you don’t have to worry about shocking or felting as you do with most wools. Another big plus is that acid dyeing usually doesn’t take as long as procion for color depth (or require so much rinsing!). I’m sure you’ll find your mojo!

  14. Heather says:

    Loved this video. I just ordered my first batch of all white bra supplies and would love to see your follow up video on your recipe. Did you ever make it? I can’t seem to find it on your blog. Specifically I’d like some guidance on which of the Pro Chemical dyes are the primaries.

    • Amy says:

      Hi Heather!

      I never finished the second video! It may still happen but until then…

      Pro Chemical sells two types of acid dyes: Washfast acid dyes and Sabraset (also known as Lanaset) dyes. They have some subtle differences in how they are applied but I recommend the Washfast type if you are starting out.

      If you are interested in mixing your own dye colors I definitely recommend some primaries. Primaries are always unmixed pure colors. I use 6 colors in the Washfast acid series: 425c National Blue (cool blue), 490 Brilliant Blue (warm blue), 119 Sun Yellow (cool), 199 Golden Yellow (warm), 338 Magenta (cool red), 351 Bright Red (warm). You can get a lot of colors from those! Here is a list of all the primaries in that series in case you are interested – https://prochemicalanddye.net/downloads/dl/file/id/191/product/1803/pro_washfast_acid_dyes_pure_colors.pdf

      I should add that there are tons of great mixed colors in this series if you’re not interested in mixing your own. I like creating color so I do both!

      But thanks for pushing me into gear to get that tutorial on my schedule ;).
      Pro Chemical has some basic instructions on how to use their dyes on nylon here – https://prochemicalanddye.net/downloads/dl/file/id/196/product/1803/immersion_dyeing_on_nylon_using_pro_washfast_acid_dyes.pdf.
      I do things just a bit differently and am not super exact in my recipes but these are good basics to get you started. All you need is a stainless steel pot, water and some vinegar and you can do a lot with that!

      Have fun!

  15. Sajida says:

    Hi amy.enjoying yor tutorial all the way from South Africa..recently strted my little bridal lingerie business.and this video was so helpful.sourcing the elastics and all the trimmings is so difficult here in different colours.wish you could help me with list of suppliers here. A big thank you to you for all the tips and pointers.You’re a star

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