Should I use iDye for batik?

Name: Ashley

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Country or region: US

Message: I am trying batik for the first time. I have tie dyed plenty of times using a squirt bottle method. I've always wanted to dye fabrics in other way but didn't like the idea of boiling dyes on the sink and whatnot. Then I ran across iDye. I want to try batik with those convenient little packets. I heard it can be done. If I follow the directions and use my washer's hottest setting, will it melt my wax and ruin my hard work? Any tips for batik with iDye are GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much!!

Don't use iDye for batik. There are much more suitable dyes for batiking. In fact, the dyes I recommend for batik are the same ones that are used for squirt-bottle tie-dyeing.

iDye is a type of direct dye. Its users report that it is better than Rit all-purpose dye, more satisfactory in color, but it's a similar dye. Like all-purpose dye, iDye requires hot water in the application process, and works best when almost boiled with the fabric. Also like all-purpose dye, iDye will tend to gradually wash off in the laundry, unless you after-treat with a commercial dye fixative, such as Retayne. The best use for iDye is for mixing with iDye Poly for stovetop-dyeing cotton/synthetic blends. While you can use iDye with lower temperatures in an attempt to avoid melting the wax, it won't work as well as at high temperatures, and it's just all-around not as good as the cool-water dyes.

Cool water fiber reactive dyes are so much better in every way for batik. The most popular is the Procion MX dye which is found in most good tie-dyeing kits, probably the exact same dye you've used before. You can wax your fabric and then squirt or paint your dye on, just as in tie-dyeing, or you can use the same dye in a bucket or washing machine, following an entirely different recipe. The minimum temperature is 70°F, which is room temperature, which will not melt your wax.

Three facts to keep in mind:

1. Procion MX dyes are easier to use than iDye direct dyes, since they're set with washing soda instead of with heat.

2. Procion MX dyes are much better than direct dyes for batik, since they don't require hot water that will melt your wax.

3. If you ever wash your batiked goods, Procion MX dyes will stay bright (or dark) on the fabric for years longer than direct dyes, so your work can be enjoyed far longer.

For further reading, see "How to Batik". To learn how to use your washing machine to dye with Procion MX dyes, if you'd rather do it that way, see "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?".

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Posted: Sunday - October 17, 2010 at 10:42 AM

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Should I use iDye for batik?

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