Procion dyes and Disperse Dyes and Dissolvable Fabric

Procion Dyes
Procions dyes are used to dye natural fabric like cotton, calico, silk, linen, viscose, rayon, flax, hemp, ect. The dyes can be mixed to make new colours.

Equipment

• Tub
• Teaspoon
• Silk Cocoon
• Calico
• Dyes: Royal Blue and Electric Blue

Method of Dying Fabric

1. I first prepared the dye bath by taking a teaspoon and measuring some of the dye, then applying it to the water. I only used less than half a teaspoon to start with.
2. First I had to wet a few pieces of fabric for a few minutes. Then put them all into the dye.
3. I then took them out one by one at timed intervals. 5 minutes for the silk cocoon and the first piece of calico, 10 minutes for the next piece, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes and an hour.
   
4. For the first 5 I used royal blue as the primary colour but for the last two I also added 1 teaspoon of electric blue to make them darker.

Health and Safety

• when using the dyes gloves, mask and an apron must be worn.
• The dye powders must not be shaken or spilt so have to be careful.
• The powders need to be used in a well-ventilated areas.

Disperse Dyes

Disperse dyes are used to dye natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk ect.The dyes are water-soluble. Heat is needed to make the dye permanent, so the heat is like a fix.

Tools and Equipment

• Heat Press
• Silicon Sheets
• Fabrics: Calico and Polyester
• Printer Paper
• Disperse Dyes

Method

1. First I brushed the disperse dye onto two pieces of printer paper and allowed to dry.
2. I then placed both of the pieces of paper onto the heat press and the and both the calico and polyester on top. I placed a silicone sheet on top and one on the bottom so the pieces do not burn.
3. The timer was set for 30 seconds and a beep went of once it had finished.
4. I then removed the piece from the press.
   

Health and Safety

• Don't touch plates or metal parts of the heat press as they will be hot.
• Take care when lowering the handle of the press.

Dissolvable Fabric

Dissolvable fabric is actually called water soluble fabric which dissolves when it come in contact with water and leaves behind a sticky substance so it can be moulded to be 3D or left flat as once it is dry it makes the stitch become hard so that it keeps it shape.