Procion dye, dissolvable fabrics and disperse dyes

Procion dye.

This workshop was introduced to use to show us an alternative way of layering an image with fabric and how to replicate colours using procion dye and dye baths.

Method: 

1. First you need to select an image you wish to recreate and note down all the colours you can identify within the image. 
2. To mix the dyes you first need to measure out 500ml of water. Then gently use 1/4 of a dry teaspoon of powder into a cup with a small amount of water. Mix with the teaspoon. Write down the colour used. Remember to rinse and dry the spoon for each colour. 
3. Add more powder depending on the colour you wish to create. Once you have your desired colour pour in the remaining water and stir well. 
4. Then add 1 teaspoon of salt per 500ml of dye. 
5. Also add 1 teaspoon of soda ash per 500ml of dye. This fixes the colour to stop it fading. (if you wish to produce a lighter faded colour don't add the soda till after.)
6. Repeat this process for each colour. Your dye bath is now ready for fabric.
7. Gather your fabrics. Calico, cotton and silk. Add different fabrics to the baths so you have a mixture of colour and texture. 
8. Next you need to wet your fabrics in water. Then you need to place them in the dye baths for different amounts of time. Some for 5 minutes then others for 15,30 and 60 minutes. 
9. Once the time is up take them out (make sure you're wearing gloves) Rinse in cold water then leave to dry on a paper towel. Alternatively you can dry it using an iron. 
10. Then record your findings making sure to list material,colour and how long you left the fabric in for. 

Dissolvable fabric.

Method: 

1. You'll need to gather you're equipment which consists of an embroidery hoop, sewing machine, dissolvable fabric 
2. Cut a piece of dissolvable fabric larger than the embroidery hoop you've chosen to use. Make sure the fabric is doubled over. 
3. Next draw your image in the centre of the fabric. 
4. Then loosen the screw on the outer hoop and take out the inner hoop, next you place your fabric over the outer hoop right side up. Make sure your image is in the centre of the hoop. 
5. Position the inner hoop on top of the fabric so that it sits within the outer hoop. The fit should be tight.
6. Then adjust the screw to make the hoops fit tighter, then gently pull the fabric to make it tight all the way around. 
7. Then set up your sewing machine and begin to stitch your pattern using the embroidery foot. (All stitches must overlap to ensure the piece does not come apart when the fabric is dissolved.)
8. When finished take the fabric out of the hoop and run it under cold water. This dissolves the fabric. 
9. Then lay the stitch down to dry. 

Disperse dyes. 

Method: 

1. First you need to take note of the colours in your chosen image, following this you need to select the relevant disperse dyes. 
2. Pour these into a palette then using a paint brush paint each colour (as squares) on photocopy paper. Do this twice as you'll be printing onto two different fabrics. 
3. Then leave to dry. 
4. Once dry you can use the heat press. 
5. To do this switch the press on from the mains, then set to the desired temperature of 180 degrees with a count down timer of 30 seconds. 
6. Once the heat press is ready place you photocopy paper between one piece of silicon with your sheet of calico or polyester on top of your paper. Then place another silicon sheet on top. Then using the handle clamp down the press, at the same time pull the small black knob to the left. When the timer beeps lift the handle while releasing the knob again. 
7. Repeat step 6 using a different fabric and your other photocopy paper. 
8. Then using your photocopy of your original image and paint over it with disperse dye. The black areas will repel the dye. Then print again using the heat press. 
9. Once thats done you need to paint your image using the dyes and print it on your chosen fabric. 
10. Clean up your area once you're done. 

Heat press Health & Safety

1. Ensure heat press is clear from obstruction.  

2. Let others in the room know it is on.  

3. Do not leave the press un-attended, someone must be in the room at all times.  

4. Take care when removing items from the press, as covers are very hot. 

5. Do not ware loose clothing when operating the press. 

6. Ensure others are clear of moving parts.  

7. Turn press off by switch and plug socket when finished.

Health & Safety with procion dye:

• gloves,masks and aprons must  be worn. 
• Always be careful when working with dye powders, try not to shake or spill them. 
• Work in well-ventilated areas and do not inhale powders.