Tie-Dyeing Silk in a Microwave with Vinegar

Better for silk.

  1. Mix the dye solution as in the Soda Soak Method.
  2. Soak the silk item in pure white vinegar for 30 minutes (replaces the Soda Ash in the Soda Soak method. Vinegar is much easier on silk, but needs the extra heat to "fix" the dye.
  3. Squeeze out the excess vinegar and tie silk in desired pattern or scrunch.
  4. Squirt on the colors as you like. As dye spreads easily in silk, use less dye and/or add thickener.
  5. Put the silk in a locking plastic bag big enough to allow for the expansion of the steam. The heavier duty bags work best. Place in microwave at full power for 2 minutes. To prevent bag from exploding, stop microwave every 45 seconds to let steam bubble subside.
    Be careful - if the bag pops open, it will make a mess.
  6. After two minutes, let the whole thing cool before opening and rinsing and washing in Synthrapol.
    WARNING! The bag and the contents are boiling hot! Opening the bag while hot might cause hot steam to fly into your  hands or face.
The microwaving part of this method not recommended for children.
Enjoy!
Home | Gift Certificates | Order From Catalog | Request a Catalog | Contact Us
Join Our Mailing List | Customer Service | Track an Order | My Orders | Email This Page
If you'd rather speak with a human, please call toll-free from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada 8am to 5pm PST
Phone: 800-542-5227
Copyright © 2009 Dharma Trading Co. All Rights Reserved.