Dye, cream hose, dye!

**Dixiecat** · 18th March 10, 11:06 AM

Just suggesting some research first. Maybe google "dying polyesther" etc.

When you have a pair of cream hose, a package of RIT and a pot, why bother with the google when you can find out first hand? Much more fun! What's the worse that can happen? At best, he'll get a pair of hose he can wear, at worse, he still has dusters for both hands.

**Mike in Dayton** · 18th March 10, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Dixiecat

When you have a pair of cream hose, a package of RIT and a pot, why bother with the google when you can find out first hand? Much more fun! What's the worse that can happen? At best, he'll get a pair of hose he can wear, at worse, he still has dusters for both hands.

If nothing else you have an opportunity to learn some new words ;)
As my ex use to say "the language I used was just shameful!"

Mike

**mayberry** · 18th March 10, 10:48 PM

As I understand it, commercial dyeing is a complex chemical art, where much R & D is expended to make sure particular dyes, mordants, procedures, etc. give the desired results for particular materials. The appeal of the household dyes, like Rit, is that they are actually compliations of dyes for a variety of fabrics that are intended to give similar hues to a variety of materials. So, you can never really know what result you will get, especially with a blend, unless you try it. I.e. you are asking them to approximate a result, saving you the incredibly complex task of experimenting with chemical dyes until you find the right one. But, as someone else pointed out, if you're not wearing the hose now, you have little to lose, other than the cost of the Rit and the trouble to try.

**Pleater** · 19th March 10, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

I'd give that tea thing a whirl. Assuming brownish is an acceptable end result. Does the colour last with subsequent washing?

Tea or coffee stains very permanently - if you do use it for dyeing be sure you don't use too much, or that you really want brown hosen.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Downunder Kilt** · 19th March 10, 02:13 PM

Just completed a set of pure wool cream hose using tea as the dye and they came out a rich honey colour. I put them in the tea, which was luke warm and left them to soak for 12 hrs, took them out and rinsed. They are on a towel in the back yard, drying. Thanks to all those who suggested the use of tea to dye unwanted cream/white wool hose.

**Chas** · 19th March 10, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

Tea or coffee stains very permanently - if you do use it for dyeing be sure you don't use too much, or that you really want brown hosen.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Just completed a set of pure wool cream hose using tea as the dye and they came out a rich honey colour. I put them in the tea, which was luke warm and left them to soak for 12 hrs, took them out and rinsed. They are on a towel in the back yard, drying. Thanks to all those who suggested the use of tea to dye unwanted cream/white wool hose.

What mordant would you recommend for tea dyeing? Salt? Urine? And how much?

Regards

Chas

**Woodsheal** · 19th March 10, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Chas

What mordant would you recommend for tea dyeing? Salt? Urine? And how much?

Regards

Chas

I didn't use any sort of mordant with mine, and the color seems pretty fast so far....

**Chas** · 19th March 10, 04:01 PM

Gosh - that was fast. Thanks Brian. I think, I shall play all Sunday.

Regards

Chas

**Tobus** · 19th March 10, 05:11 PM

Speaking of such, I didn't see any requirement for that when using Rit. Does anyone know if it will make a difference if I use something like that or not?