I was recently asked if I would like to try some DYLON fabric dyes and I umm-ed and ahh-ed for a few minutes, quickly racking my brain just how I could use them. I soon remembered that I had always wanted to dye a woollen blanket so purchased a beautiful vintage cream blanket with a Snugdown label (which shows it was produced by the Co-operative Wholesale Society).

How to use fabric dye on wool

You will need a wool blanket and some Dylon fabric dye (for hand use rather than machine)

The blanket I bought was huge so I cut it into eight. I was sent both Goldfish Orange and Intense Violet fabric dye and I wanted to use four pieces of blanket with each fabric dye.

I had already washed the woollen blanket so I rinsed it briefly in cold water. Following the instructions on the packet, I dissolved one packet of the dye in 500ml of water in a container. I filled the sink with 6 litres of warmish water, stirred in 4tbsp of salt and added the fabric dye.  As I wanted to dye my four pieces of wool different shades I dunked them in the sink together (trying to ensure they weren’t creased). I should add that I wore an old pair of marigolds for this stage.

goldfish orange

This is where I stopped following the instructions on the back of the packet. I took the first piece out after 15 minutes, rinsed it in cold water then warm water and hung it out to dry. I repeated the process with the other three pieces of blanket at similar intervals and left them on the washing line until they were dry.

I really like how the different shades turned out although I have to admit the process was quite time consuming!

What do you think? Have you tried dyeing fabric by hand before? Any suggestions as to what I should make with the dyed pieces?

This is my Monthly Make for July