Best Black Fabric Dyes
Here are our black fabric dye reviews.
1. RIT Dye
RIT black dye has a wide variety of applications and is easy to use. The dye is non-toxic, making it safe to use for all sorts of projects. The dye can be used on clothing or shoes, but it doesn’t have to be limited to apparel. Use the dye to revive tired accessories around the house as well.
- Can be used on a wide variety of fabrics and also on wood, paper, cork and wicker
- Will not work on 100% polyester or synthetic fabrics like acrylic or acetate
- Can be used in a variety of dying methods and can also be mixed with other RIT dyes to make custom colors
2. Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye
Tulip permanent fabric dye provides good, solid coverage that resists fading. Tulip is a trusted brand and is used by crafters all over the place. For those first time fabric dyers out there, Tulip does have a website with techniques for using their dye and other project ideas.
- Works best on natural fibers like wool, cotton, rayon, and silk.
- 100% polyester, nylon and other synthetic fabrics do not work well with this dye
- The shade of color depends on the temperature of water used
3. Fiebing’s Suede and Roughout Dye
It’s easy to think of fabric dye as a product that is designed only for clothes, but nothing could be further from the truth. Fiebing’s can be used on suede and leathers to bring new life to clothing like suede and leather jackets, footwear, and even handbags. The dye is for real leather and suede, not for manmade or faux leathers.
- Fully clean all suede and leather items before using the dye
- Dye is durable and will not peel, crack, or harden when it dries
- A great, economical choice- saves money by reviving products you already have so you don’t have to purchase new
4. Jacquard Procion MX Dye
Jacquard Procion MX dye really lasts. The color stays true and really holds up to washing. These dyes are cold water dyes and work best on natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, jute, canvas, linen, and rayon. All those crafty people out there will love these dyes, as they work with a wide variety of techniques like ice dying, tie dying, batik, screen printing, and more.
- Procion MX Dye is generally used with a soda ash fixative
- The dyes are very vibrant and the color holds fast
- Generally, one 2/3 oz bottle will dye one pound of dry fabric or more, making it a cost effective choice
5. Dylon Intense Black
These dyes are best for smaller items and smaller batches that you would like to hand dye. One of the best applications is to revive clothes that have faded with washing. The dye is quite economically priced and helps reduce waste and having to buy new clothing items.
- One packet dyes up to 250g of fabric, but 250g of salt is required as well
- Works best on cotton, viscose, and linen, but will also give lighter results on polyester/cotton blends, wool, and even silk
- Best for small items like intimates, socks, tights, and delicates
Black Fabric Dye Buying Guide
When it comes to buying fabric dye, there are some basic factors to consider before making a purchase. How vibrant or deep a color are you looking for? How complicated should the dying process be? What dying technics would you like to use in conjunction with the dye?
What materials is the fabric you would like to dye composed of? All these questions are vital in determining which fabric dye you should purchase and use.
Types of Black Fabric Dyes
Dyes like Jacquard’s Procion MX Dyes are considered to be a fiber reactive dye. They have incredible color fastness, meaning the fabric won’t fade out with time and washing, and generally tend to be quite vibrant.
These dyes are usually fixed with other products like Soda Ash, salt, other chemicals, or even vinegar. They can be used in a variety of dying techniques, but may require a slightly steeper learning curve.
Dyes like RIT and Dylon are considered union dyes. They are extremely versatile and can be used on a wide variety of fabrics and materials. The finished product may be a little less vibrant and might not be as resistant to fading over time.
Some require salt or nothing at all to fix the dye and are a great choice for beginners who just want to revive faded clothing or are looking for a dye for a small project.
The Right Black Dye for Your Fabrics
Choosing the right dye for your fabrics is half the battle. Many garments will be made up of fabrics like linen, cotton, rayon, or polyester blends.
Most dyes like Procion MX, RIT, Dylon, and Tulip will work on all of these fabrics. Synthetic fabrics or 100% polyester blends will require special synthetic dyes. RIT does have a line of dye for synthetic fabrics.
Be sure to do some research on your fabric ahead of purchasing a dye, to make sure that you are buying the correct dye for the job. It’s worth considering the dying process as well, as some dyes require more complicated processes.
Some can be used right in the washing machine, some have to be used with cold or hot water. It’s also worth researching which method is going to work best in conjunction with your fabric and skill level (although you can always watch tutorial videos) before making a purchase.
Recommended Reading:
- Chapter 1: The 7 Sewing Essentials for Beginners
- Chapter 2: The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines
- Chapter 3: The Ultimate Guide to Setting up your Sewing Room
- Chapter 4: Everything You Need To Know About Sewing
- Chapter 5: Sewing Fabric 101: A Virtual Tour of the Fabric Store
