Name: APRIL

Message: Hello.  I am thinking of purchasing a white 100% rayon velvet wedding gown w/the intentions of dyeing it blue.  I've never dyed anything in my life.  First of all is this possible?  If so can you let me know what I need to do/buy?  Thanks so much!

100% rayon, if it is viscose rayon and not undyeable rayon acetate, dyes brightly and well with a cold water fiber reactive dye such as Procion MX. Rayon velvet usually dyes wonderfully. Do not use a hot water dye, such as all-purpose dye, on a rayon velvet dress.

However, the dress must be washable in order to be dyeable, and dyeing your own wedding dress is a bit more complicated and high-risk a project than I would recommend for a beginner. Try dyeing some t-shirts first! You will need to buy some Procion MX dyes by mail-order from one of the retailers listed on my Sources for Dyeing Supplies page, soda ash, and a large amount of salt.

The easiest way to dye a washable rayon dress to a solid color is in the washing machine. If your washing machine has a hand-wash/delicate setting, you may be able to dye a hand-wash-only dress, if you are careful. Do not try to dye anything that is marked as dry-clean-only, especially if it is lined. Linings are usually made of undeclared synthetics, and when the outside layer of a garment shrinks more than the lining, the garment is usually ruined.

Make sure that the dress you buy was sewn with cotton thread. Polyester thread, which is used to sew together almost all clothing, will remain white after dyeing. Also, allow plenty of time for this project, so that if you decide that you do not like the results, you will still have time to go buy another dress.

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