Having prepared the fabric and made up the dye bath, you are now ready to dye the article.

The dyeing process consists of two stages:

1. dyeing the garment
2. fixing the colour

Dyeing the garment

• Wet your fabric
• If your dye bath is not yet in the container you intend to use for the dyeing process, transfer the dye bath into a suitably large container (such as a pot)
• Immerse the wet article in the dye bath.
• Put the dye bath onto the stove and bring it slowly to the boil.
• Move the fabric around continuously so the dye can penetrate all folds and creases (continual agitation helps to achieve an even distribution of heat, and thus colouration).
• Keep the garment fully submerged for the duration of the dyeing process.
• Once boiling, reduce heat and allow the fabric to simmer for 15 minutes, continually agitating the fabric.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
• Rinse under a cold tap until the water runs clear (this is to remove excess dye, which could otherwise run if not removed).
• Allow the garment to dry so you can check the shade before you fix.

• When you are satisfied with the shade of your garment (when dry), you are ready to fix the colour. Fixing the colour ensures that your article retains the shade you are happy with, and largely reduces colour running.
• Dissolve the contents of the plastic sachet in 4-5 liters of warm water (40°C).
• Wet the garment
• Immerse the wet article into the fixative solution and agitate.
• Leave to soak for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Dry the garment

When you have completed the dyeing process, you should wash the pot you used out after use with detergent and water.