Master Fabric Dyeing Techniques
A Deep Dive into Elin Noble’s Dyes & Paints Guide
Award-Winning Book
By using Elin Noble’s Dyes & Paints: A Hands-On Guide to Coloring Fabric, you’ll learn techniques for fabric dyeing and patterning fabric to any hue, value, or design.
This is a comprehensive and award-winning handbook that covers all the fundamentals of dyeing and coloring fabric with MX fiber-reactive dyes and with textile paints.
Many of the techniques can also be adapted for yarn, ribbon, paper, basket reed, and even wood.
Editorial Reviews
“… a thoughtful and well-researched book that will clarify conflicting information which has been accumulating over the years.” — Joyce Hayes, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot,, Spring 2001
“…It demystifies the chemistry and offers an array of alternative methods for accurately and creatively getting color into cloth.” — Jason Pollen, Surface Design Journal, Spring 1999
About the Author
Elin Noble is probably best known for her award-winning book Dyes & Paints, winning the Independent Publishers best “How-To Book” award.
She has a BFA in Fiber from the University of Washington.
Her 20-plus years of dyeing fabric and keen interest in how things work add to her vast understanding of dyeing everything from feathers to paper pulp and fabric and yarn.
Elin is an expert in her field; she speaks regularly and has appeared on the popular PBS show “Lap Quilting” with Georgia Bonesteel.
What other Amazon buyers have said about this fabric dyeing book:
“Noble’s presentation of information is one of the best I have read to date. I greatly appriciate that all of the recipes you need for immersion dyeing to direct aplication are in one place”
“Great book. The techniques are clearly described and the writing is clear and concise”
“Very detailed book, includes a mix chart to make other colors”
“Love this book! Really helpful information….even for an experienced textile artist”
“This is a very helpful book that spans a wide range of how-to info. A must for any fabric dyer’s library”
This book is a hands-on guide to fabric dyeing. Dyeing and coloring fabric is exciting, captivating, and extremely rewarding.
This book is a well-regarded resource in the textile arts community, particularly for those interested in fabric dyeing and painting techniques.
Key Features of the Book:
- Comprehensive Guide: Covers a wide range of dyeing and painting methods, including fiber-reactive dyes, acid dyes, discharge techniques, and more.
- Hands-On Approach: Provides step-by-step instructions, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced dyers.
- Safety & Sustainability: Emphasizes safe dyeing practices and environmental considerations.
- Creative Techniques: Explores surface design, resist methods, and layered color applications.
Elin Noble is a respected textile artist and educator, and her book is often recommended for its clarity and depth. If you’re into fabric dyeing, painting, or surface design, this could be a valuable addition to your library.
Elin Noble’s Dyes & Paints: A Hands-On Guide to Coloring Fabric covers a variety of dyeing and fabric-painting techniques in detail. Below is an expanded breakdown of some key methods discussed in the book:
1. Fiber-Reactive Dyes (Procion MX & Others)
- Best for: Cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and other cellulose/protein fibers.
- Process:
- Pre-treat fabric (scour/wash to remove finishes).
- Mix dye with urea water for solubility.
- Apply dye via immersion, direct painting, or printing.
- Batch or steam to allow dye fixation (often wrapped in plastic for 4–24 hrs).
- Rinse & wash to remove excess dye.
- Key Techniques:
- Low-Water Immersion (LWI): Creates textured, variegated effects by using minimal water.
- Tie-Dye & Shibori: Resist techniques using folds, stitches, or clamps.
- Direct Painting: Brushing or stamping dye onto fabric.
2. Acid Dyes (For Protein Fibers: Wool, Silk, Nylon)
- Best for: Silk, wool, and nylon.
- Process:
- Pre-soak fiber in an acidic solution (vinegar or citric acid).
- Heat dye bath (near-simmering) for even penetration.
- Gradual cooling helps prevent uneven dyeing.
- Key Techniques:
- Space Dyeing: Applying multiple colors to yarn/fabric for variegated effects.
- Dip-Dyeing/Gradient Effects: Partial immersion for ombré looks.
3. Discharge Techniques (Removing Color)
- Purpose: Strip or lighten existing dye to create patterns.
- Types:
- Chemical Discharge (e.g., thiourea dioxide or Rit Color Remover).
- Screen Printing with Discharge Paste.
- Paint/Overdye discharged areas for layered effects.
- Safety Note: Requires ventilation due to sulfur dioxide release.
4. Fabric Paints & Mediums
- Types:
- Transparent Paints (Dye-based, like Setacolor).
- Opaque Paints (Acrylic-based, like Jacquard Neopaque).
- Resists (Gutta, wax, or flour paste).
- Application Methods:
- Stenciling, Screen Printing, Block Printing.
- Serti Technique (using gutta/resist lines).
- Dry Brush & Spattering for texture.
5. Resist Techniques
- Shibori: Japanese folding/stitching/binding methods.
- Batik: Wax resist (applied with tjanting or brushes).
- Flour Paste Resist: Creates crackle effects when dried and dyed over.
- Soy Wax: A softer alternative to traditional batik wax.
6. Overdyeing & Layering
- Concept: Applying multiple dye layers for depth.
- Example:
- Dye fabric yellow → let dry → apply blue shibori → result is green/yellow/blue interplay.
7. Special Effects
- Salt & Alcohol Textures:
- Sprinkle salt on wet dye for crystallization effects.
- Drop alcohol into the dye for blooming patterns.
- Ice Dyeing:
- Place ice on the fabric, sprinkle dye powder, and melt for watercolor-like effects.
Safety & Environmental Considerations (A Key Theme in Noble’s Book)
- Ventilation: Essential when working with dyes/chemicals.
- Disposal: Neutralize dye baths before draining.
- Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Natural dyes, low-impact synthetics.
Ellen Anne Eddy’s Dye Day Workbook
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