Easy Dyed Silk Scarf

An Easy Method For Dying A Silk Scarf

Most silk scarf painting/dying is done with a stretcher frame. But if you don't want to spend the money on a stretcher and are not planning a detailed design, this easy dye method can yield beautiful results as well.

It's a good idea to practice the technique on scrap pieces of silk before dying your scarf.

Easy Dyed Silk Scarf Materials

• Silk scarf in any size
• Dupont French Silk Dyes in pink, blue and lavender
• Medium size paint brush
• 4 small plastic containers or bowls (yogurt cups work really well)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Table salt - Optional: * see note below
• Old towels
• Wax paper or plastic to cover the work surface
• Rubber gloves
• Masking tape

* Table salt can be used for a special effect. It makes the dye colors bleed creating a lovely batik look.

Dying the Scarf

Be prepared to throw away the towels or use them as rags after this project

Place half of each dye in three plastic containers. Pour about ½ cup of rubbing alcohol in the last container.

Cover the work surface with wax paper or plastic and tape in place. Lay down 2 thicknesses of old towels keeping them as smooth as possible. You don't want any hills and valleys in the towels as this will affect the dying process.

Smooth the silk scarf out over the towels.

For light colors as shown here, the dye can be thinned with water.

Wearing rubber gloves and starting with the lightest color, start painting your design. I did a series of straight lines and dots.

* For the batik look, after just a few strokes of dye, shake on some salt and watch what happens. Be sure to sprinkle quickly since the dyes dry quite fast.

Rubbing alcohol can be dropped by paint brush where lifting some of the color is desired.

Continue with this process, one section at a time, until the entire scarf is done.

Follow the dye package directions to set the color.