Hand dying fabric, whether it is a silk scarf or a T-shirt, allows you to create a one-of-a kind garment. Blend your favorite colors and experiment with designs. Using rock salt in the dying process adds design interest and is easy technique to learn.
How it Works
Non-iodized rock salt applied to fabric that is then dyed causes the dye to resist--not soak--into the fabric and form a blossom pattern, bloom.
Salt sucks up water. Dye or fabric paint is drawn toward the salt along with the water, producing streaks of lighter color gathering in a pool of darker color.
To make salt designs, first dye or paint your fabric. While it is still wet, stretch it taut. You can pull it over a picture frame, embroidery hoop or even a large cookie sheet or baking pan.
Applying the Salt
Sprinkle the taut, still-wet fabric with the rock salt and watch it bloom. Some people like to use tweezers to carefully place each grain of salt, while others prefer the random effect of sprinkling.
Don't use too much salt or the colors may run together and turn muddy. Allow the fabric to dry, then carefully brush off the salt.
The amount of bloom will depend on your dye and the wetness of the fabric. Some dyes set very quickly and therefore won't bloom as much. If you want to use these dyes, you can add a compound to slow the setting or "fixing" of the dye. Each dye manufacturer has different recommendations for slowing the fixing rate of their dye, so consult the manufacturer's website.
