After seeing some lovely rust-colored fabric I finally tried my hand at rust dyeing.
I used this old rusty chain that has been sitting outside the garage for a long time. Every time I have walked by it I thought about rust dyeing.
So let’s get started. Here is what you need: fabric, dyeing container, rusted items, plastic garbage bag, and a spray bottle with 50/50 vinegar and water solution. You will also need a bucket with a salt solution that I’ll talk about later.
I crumpled up my piece of cotton fabric and sprayed it with the vinegar and water solution. You don’t have to crumple up the fabric. I thought that might give it more texture.
Next I placed the chain on top of the fabric.
Then I sprayed it again making sure the chain was also wet.
The fabric is then covered in plastic. I put mine in a trash bag and left it alone for about 30 hours. I checked on it after 24 hours and thought it needed more time. This is up to you. The longer the object sits on the fabric, the darker the fabric will be.
Here is what it looked like after 30 hours.
Here is what it looked like after I removed the chain.
The fabric was then put into salt water solution (1/4 cup of salt to three to four gallons of water) to neutralize it. After the salt was dissolved, I swirled the fabric in the solution. I left it in the salt solution for a few minutes before putting it in the washer and then dryer.
Here is the finished fabric.
And a close up.
So how do I feel about rust dyeing? I’m not real excited about it. If I came across something like an old grate – something with character – I’d probably try it again. Maybe I needed to lay down the chain better. But it all comes down to time. With the busy gardening season I have to really focus on art I love and get results I love. This rust dyeing doesn’t yet fit in that category.
However, if you would like to see some lovely rust dyeing check out my friend Kathy’s blog post. I saw those pieces in person last summer and they were absolutely gorgeous and it got me to thinking about trying this.
Have you tried rust dyeing? What do you think about it? Any tips?
I haven’t tried rust dyeing, although I do MX Procion dyeing. One thing I think would have made this more interesting visually would have been to rearrange the chain half way through, or to wrap the fabric around the chain, kind of like a reverse shibori. Hmmm – that second idea I think has promise. Now to steal some old rusty stuff from my husband. I’m sure he has tons of it somewhere…
Oh I have some yummy chain. Will have to try it. Love your results. Xox
CraftAlife, Yes, I think rearranging might have helped the design or wrapped it. I thought about that but changed my mind at the last minute! Look forward to your rusty post! Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Corrine, Thanks! I look forward to seeing your results!
That old chain has seen a lot of use over the years. I’m glad to see it getting into artistic things now!
I’ve done rust dyeing and have enjoyed it. I usually rust dye on hot summer days. First I wet the fabric with water/vinegar then wrap it around rusty pieces. Place in the dark colored trash bag and leave it out in the sun for a couple of days. I don’t close up the bag. I have a couple of photos in my blog archives. Lynda, nice to see you gave it a try but yes, with gardening etc. we have to set our priorities.
Diane, I’ll check out your blog. I like the idea of leaving it out in the sun for a couple of days. Yes, too bad we don’t have time for everything!
Thank you Honey for the use of that old chain!!
I love trying new things. It’s good you gave it a go and it is a pretty easy method in that you just leave it be for awhile. I’ve seen lots of photos of rusted fences and grates that I think would make fabulous rusted fabric.
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Lisa, Thanks. Yeah, I’ve seen some beautiful pieces. Now to find that great rusted piece.
I really love it! The subtle hues and color variations are so rich. I understand your frustration in wanting a bit more of an exciting design, but this method has so much potential. I hope you will find some rusty pieces that excite you more, and give it another go! (And share the results, of course!)
Hi EllenSue, Thanks. You are right. There is so much potential to it and I was looking for excitement! You know like when you pull the pieces from the size and see the beautiful marbling. Or when I wash out the lovely dyed pieces or make that stencil that is just what I need. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I will continue to be on the look out for some more exciting rusty pieces.
I wonder if there are scrap metal dealers or similar near you that might have interesting rusty iron!
EllenSue, That’s a great idea! Thanks.
I LOVE rust dying. I just finished up some ecobundles and have some new rusty things to work on. I would love to see what you do with this piece.
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I’ve always wondered what was required for rust dying. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Glen, I guess I just need to give it another try. I’ll drop by your blog and see what you are doing. Thanks.
Gwyned, Thank you for dropping by.