Dyeing Crinkle Taffeta

[Tanka]

My question is how well does the Crinkle Taffeta take to dye.

I 'm hoping to try to make a hammock out of some (kind of line the ENO I just got but with a few changes to something that would work just a hair better for me.) and I would like to tie dye it in camo like pattern, to help break up my hammock in the woods around here.

also how about down-proof nylon, my guess would be it wouldn't take at all being water resistant but hell it is worth the time to ask.

[DivaB]

With some searching I think you can find downproof nylon that is camo. I'm pretty sure I ran into some a couple of weeks ago when I was looking for gray and black. I don't recall where though.

As for dying the crinkle taffeta, I'm really not sure about. Taffeta is a shinny fabric and that will probably hinder the dying process quite a bit. The best bet is probably to order a small piece, like a taffeta chair sash or table runner from tableclothsfactory.com (when they have their free shipping sale, probably in a couple of days) and just give it a try and then check for water fastness too. It would be interesting to see what you come up with and how it works out.

[AaronAlso]

You are gonna be more or less on your own on this one. Not much amount of knowledge on this site about dying.

what I have read is...

Polyester is very difficult to dye. Nylon not quite as much. However, synthetics in general are more difficult to dye than natural fibers.

I have no idea how a DWR finish would effect dye.

Good luck and be sure to share your result with us. Inquiring minds wanna know!

[Ramblinrev]

Nylon will take dye much better than polyester. HOWEVER you need to start with a white base fabric. Trying to overdye an other color is a disaster waiting to happen. Sometimes you can luck out. But mostly you won't get what you want. Don't even mess with polyester. It's not worth the aggravation.

You will need an acid dye for nylon. You will need to use a hot water process and you will want to use a good mordant to set the dye. Each of those is dependent on the products you use.

If you dye in the family washing machine make absolutely certain sure you clean it out properly according to the directions for thde product you use. In any event... bleach is your friend. Any residual dye will most certainly affect the Mrs. delicates. You don't want that.