Can You Dye Hemp Fabric?
Without question, dyed hemp fabric can be an add-on to enhance your outfit personality. But wait, can you dye hemp fabric?
Well, definitely, yes! And this is possible because hemp fabrics are more of a natural fiber, so it won’t be a trouble to get it dyed with direct, acid, or even reactive dyes. Natural dyes can also easily sit on this fabric type!
So, want to know some common natural and chemical dye options you can choose and how to proceed with the dyeing? If yes, then read on till the end of the blog.
List of Some Natural and Chemical Dyes for Hemp Fabric
Natural dyes are those dyes that are mainly derived from mineral sources, animals, and plants. And these natural dyes don’t come with any hazardous chemicals. So, it can easily be used for dyeing hemp fabric.
However, chemical dyes are more synthetic and are mainly manufactured in labs. And such dyes are pretty known for their ease and versatility during use.
So, in this section, I’ll let you know some of the natural and chemical dyes for hemp fabric. So, make sure not to skip any of the following points.
Natural Dye Options
Turmeric
Well, as a natural dye, the color gradient and combination are astounding. It’s mainly a brightish yellow-orange dye that gives the hemp fabric that warm and vibrant color combo.
Onion Skin
The most iconic catch of this dye option is it gives unique gold and yellowish color strokes on the hemp fabric. And because of this, the fabric gets an earthy color texture.
Indigo
This dye is also pretty famous as it can give the fabric a striking deep blue color tone. And it’s one of the reasons that make indigo one of the popular natural dye choices till now.
Tea
This color puts on a slight brownish and yellow combo that gives the hemp fabric a muted and kind of subtle color choice. And due to this, the dye’s pretty much loved by many people.
Chemical Dye Options
Fiber Reactive Dye
Such dyes are specially made to merge perfectly with fabrics and fibers and keep the dye more long-lasting along striking hues. This chemical dye is quite used in hemp fabric since they give the fabric more vivid color textures.
Direct Dyes
Although this dyeing option is mostly for cellulose-based fibers and cotton, hemp fabric can still be dyed. And one of the vital reasons for choosing direct dyes is that it gives the fabric a brighter texture and color tone.
Acid Dyes
These chemical dyes are famous for protein-based fibers (i.e., silk and wool); however, hemp fabrics can also take on this dyeing option. Although you’ll need to set the acidic environment right, it’ll then give the fabric more vibrant color touches.
Ways You Can Dye Hemp Fabric with Natural and Chemical Dyes
In this section, I’ll let you know the entire step-by-step process through which you can easily dye the hemp fabric using natural and chemical dyes. So, ensure not to skip any of the following sections.
Steps for Natural Dyeing
You need to get the hemp fabric pre-washed first before proceeding with the dyeing process. This will let you clean and remove dirt and grease. The best option would be to use warm water along with some detergent.
Now, you need to get your natural dye prepared. You can add the dyeing material in a big container (stainless steel would be best). Once done, simmer the material for an hour or so.
After getting the dye bath prepared, add the hemp fabric! Now, to even the dye color, swirl the fabric. Make sure not to haste in this step!
Pro Tip
For the deeper color gradient, you can simmer the fabric in the dye bath for another extra hour.
Once you’ve got your desired color outcome, take out the hemp fabric and rinse off all the solution with cool water and allow it to dry.
Steps for Chemical Dyeing
Even when dyeing the hemp fabric with chemical dyes, you need to pre-wash the hemp fabric with warm water to get rid of any debris and grease.
Now, you need to get the dye bath ready. Since it’s chemical dyeing, the temperature here would be an essential factor—for instance, 80 to 85 degrees Celcius for acid dyes. Once the temperature is set, add salt or vinegar and whisk to get it dissolved.
Once the bath’s ready, add the required chemical dye to the container and stir the solution well.
Pro Tip
It’s a safety procedure that you wear gloves and goggles, especially when dealing with chemical dyes.
After the solution’s perfectly prepared, take the hemp fabric and soak it gently. Now, simmer your fabric till you see your desired color.
Pro Tip
For the simmer time, you can read the instructions provided in your chemical dye manual.
Once you see your required color, take out the fabric and wash off all the solution and let it dry out.
Remember, different chemical dyes may have different dyeing processes. So, ensure to read the instructions first.
Is the Dyeing Process for Hemp Fabric Similar to Modal Fabric?
The dyeing process for hemp fabric is not similar to modal fabric. While tie dye modal fabric instructions focus on using specific dyes and techniques for modal fabric, the dyeing process for hemp fabric requires different methods to achieve desired color and pattern results. Each fabric type has its own unique dyeing process.
Bottom Line
So, after going through this blog, you should now know you can easily dye hemp fabric, along with the steps to get your fabric dyed using both chemical and natural dyes.
Although, the dyeing process can vary, especially when you’re dealing with chemical dyes. Nevertheless, now with this guide, you can easily get your hemp fabric dyed in no time!
