Category: Tutorials

Simple Dyeing with H Dupont Dyes

Wool gauze dyed blue

Which dye?

Dyeing fabrics with H Dupont dyes is easy to do. Firstly, make sure you use the right dye for your fabric.  For protein (animal-based) fabrics like silk or wool, use H Dupont Classique dye

How to dye fabrics

There are some important points to remember.

Ensure there is enough water to easily stir the fabric. This allows the dye to be absorbed evenly. The water quantity listed in the guide below is a suggestion. You can adjust it but keep the dye quantity the same.

This is what happens if you don’t have enough water:

The dye is patchy on your fabric. Fortunately for me, I dyed a length of our Silk Noil. This already has a rustic look, so it didn’t look too bad! I learnt my lesson and will make sure I use a big enough pot and enough water.

H Dupont Classique dyes should only be used on clean, residue free silk. If unsure, wash the silk in 40°C water with a mild soap, then rinse, or steam the fabric before dyeing.

Always check if the dye has set properly before rinsing by dipping a small piece of the fabric into water and checking if the colour runs.

Always handle the fabric while it is still damp to ensure the best results.

Dyeing Procedure

1. Pour lukewarm water into a saucepan.

2. Add the chosen dye(s) along with vinegar (Classique).

3. Rinse the fabric to be dyed under lukewarm running water. Wring out, then dip it into the dye bath while still wet.

4. Place the saucepan on low heat and stir for 5 minutes. Gradually increase the heat until the water starts to boil.

5. Continue stirring constantly to ensure an even colour.

6. Let it boil for at least 5 minutes.

7. Turn off the heat and let the fabric sit for 10 minutes.

8. Rinse the fabric under running water, wash it with warm soapy water, and finish with a final rinse in clean water.

9. Allow the fabric to dry.


This table is a guide to help you

H Dupont Classique Dye

Dry Fabric Water Dye Vinegar
20 to 35 gms 2 litres 30 ml 10 ml
35 to 50 gms 3 litres 45 ml 15 ml
50 to 70 gms 4 litres 60 ml 20 ml
70 to 100 gms 5 litres 75 ml 25 ml

Category: Tutorials

I hope you found the above information useful

If you require any assistance regarding our silk products and accessories, or techniques working with silk, feel free to contact me.

Christine, Owner of Silk Wholesalers