Dyeing fabric
Most fabric made from natural fibers can be dyed to a different colour. This works best with undyed fabrics or white fabrics. Fabrics already dyed in a light colour can be dyed darker, but the original colour can influence the shade of the second dye. Dyeing red over blue would, for example, result in some shade of purple. Another thing to keep in mind is that the thread used in the seams might not take colour as well as the rest of the fabric, as thread is often synthetic.
Dyeing linen or cotton
Both linen and cotton are made from what we call plant fibers. This means that both fabrics can be dyed with the same types of dye. When linen or cotton is mixed with a synthetic or animal fiber, the dye job can turn out a bit differently than expected.
Most box dyes, like the ones you can find at drugstores, are compatible with plant fibers, although it's always a good idea to check this before purchase. Box dyes generally come in two versions, hand wash and machine was. Hand wash dyes cannot be used in the washing machine, however, you can use machine wash dyes to dye fabric in a bucket or tub.
Box dyes always come with instructions, so they are easy to use.
Of course it’s also possible to dye fabric with natural dyes, which would be period correct. It’s possible to find pre-made natural dyes, but they are difficult to find. If you want to use natural fabric dye, you generally need to make it from scratch.
Natural dyes are a lot more complicated to work with though. Working with natural dyes needs a lot of research and testing.
Dyeing wool
Wool, being made from animal fiber, actually takes colour really well. It’s easier to get a bright colour on wool than on linen or cotton, especially when using natural dyes.
The downside of dyeing wool is that wool is sensitive to temperature and agitation when wet. It can easily shrink or felt when not treated properly.
Like with linen and cotton, the easiest way to dye wool is by using a box dye. You do need to check if the box dye you think of using can be used for wool. Not all box dyes work for wool, so you might need to look for wool specific dyes.
Using a box dye is just a matter of following the instructions that come with the dye.
Wool can also be dyed using natural dyes, as was done in the distant past. It’s possible to find pre-made natural dyes, but they are difficult to find. If you want to use natural fabric dye, you generally need to make it from scratch.
Natural dyes are a lot more complicated to work with though. Working with natural dyes needs a lot of research and testing.
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