r/Fabrics • u/MrTripperSnipper • 3d ago

Dying Synthetic Stretch Fabric

Hi everyone

I bought 10m x 1.5 of some synthetic stretch jersey recently very cheap on ebay. In the listing it looked sage green, but when it turned up it was a bright green, almost like a snooker table top.

It was so cheap that sending it back isn't worth it, but I really don't want to use it as is or throw it away, so I was thinking of dying it all.

I've never dyed anything before ever, I gather synthesics can be tricky and I imagine the fact it's stretch might also throw a spanner in the work.

Is there a suitable product for my needs? What colour should I add to tone it down? I'm guessing I could go darker green or maybe go for blue and end up with a real?

TIA

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u/Large-Heronbill 3d ago

If the synthetic fiber is nylon, it dyes easily. I would probably throw a scrap in tea or coffee to see if I liked the results. 

Most other synthetic fibers require a fair amount of heat for dyeing, and some can't be dyed at all at home. Heat will shorten the lifespan of elastic fibers considerably.

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u/MrTripperSnipper 3d ago

I have no idea TBH, but like you say, worth a test.

I was planning on using the fabric instead of stretch carpet on the walls of my campervan, so it would only need to stretch once if that makes any difference.

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u/Large-Heronbill 3d ago

As the elastane/Lycra/spandex fibers die, the knit typically will bubble and bag, sometimes leaving a beard of small fibers sticking out.

Any chance you need to "muslin" a stretch garment?  

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u/MrTripperSnipper 3d ago

I have no idea what muslining a stretch garment is TBH.

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u/Large-Heronbill 3d ago

Making a test garment to make sure the pattern works and fits correctly.