Dyeing fabric?

[Luv to Cook]

I need to dye some backpacks purple for DD's party this weekend (Dora party). Can I do this in the washer? Will I forever stain the rest of our clothes purple? Otherwise what is a good way...not sure I have any buckets big enough...the bathtub?

Thanks.
Anita

[mbrogier]

I've dyed things in my washer before. I just run an empty load afterwards with a bit of bleach to get rid of any residue.

Someone in my college dorm used the washer to dye something and didn't do that. I didn't know and used the washer next. I had tye dyed blue underwear. :mad:

I think the washer works better than the bathtub for this because the drum won't stain. The dyes do better sitting for 24 hours. In the bathtub, there's always a danger of dropping something else in, or a child or pet turning purple. :rolleyes: :D

[colleency]

The backpacks aren't nylon, are they? Synthetic fabrics don't take dye the way you expect them too, and sometimes not at all. I dyed a dress with netting blue once, and the netting came out purple. Luckily, it looked great with the blue.

The last thing I dyed was in the kitchen sink. It took about 45 minutes, and it cleaned up nicely with a little bleach and water.

I've never heard of dying taking 24 hours!

[Middydd]

The cold water dyes work pretty well in the bathtub, you get them in little disc packs at fabric stores.

[hlao23]

I've dyed in both the kitchen sink and the washing machine. Both with good results and easy clean-up.

[Luv to Cook]

Thanks...I am going to try the washing machine. My 3 year old wants to help...I assume this will be the least messy ;).

Anita