Dyeing The Crinoline Worn Under A Wedding Dress

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to add a touch of color to a wedding dress is by dyeing the crinoline that a bride wears underneath it. Throughout the wedding ceremony, the crinoline is almost never seen, which means that when it is time to do a garter toss or when the skirt moves around during the first dance, the wedding guests will see the colored crinoline and be surprised.

Fabrics To Use and Fabrics To Avoid

When deciding whether or not to dye a crinoline, the first stop should be the fabric care label on the crinoline itself. This label provides the essential information for deciding whether or not the crinoline is made of a fabric suitable for dyeing. The best fabrics for dyeing are those that are 100% washable, such as cotton, linen, rayon, and silk, as well as synthetic fibers like acetate and nylon.
However, the experts at RIT Dye also advise that some fabric blends will tint evenly, but may not acheive full color. Similarly, fabrics with at least 50% polyester or 100% acrylic will not accept dye, nor will most specialty fabrics like those made with weather-repellent coatings.

Choosing The Color and The Dye

Most bridal crinolines come in white or ivory, which make altering their color easy. However, it is important to remember that because they are so light in color naturally, dying them a rich, vibrant color may take more effort. Some brides choose to dye their crinoline blue, to use as their "something blue" on the wedding day. Others elect a color that matches the colors of the bridesmaids' dresses, and still others decide to use their favorite color. Regardless, it is important to remember that the type of fabric can often influence how true-to-color the end result may be.

Most fabric dyes are available in powder or liquid dye forumulas. The manufacturer's directions will advise how much dye is needed for the fabric, but the general guideline is that you will need one package of powder dye or half a bottle of liquid dye for each pound (approximately 3 yards) of lighter-weight fabric. Heavier fabrics will require more dye, and more dye will also be needed to acheive darker, more rich colors.

How To Dye A Crinoline In A Washing Machine

Items Needed:

• Fabric Dye
• Large glass container
• Rubber Gloves (optional)
• Crinoline
• Top-loading Washing Machine

Instructions

1. Start the washing machine and allow it to fill with the hottest water possible. Choose the most extended wash cycle, and a load size that allows the crinoline to easily move within the machine.
2. Once full, dip the crinoline into the water, so the entire garment is soaked. Then remove and set aside. Make sure the fabric is uncrumpled and completely unfolded.
3. Turn the crinoline inside-out, so that the netting is facing outward.
4. Pre-mix the fabric dye in the glass container. Then add to the washing machine.
5. Wearing rubber gloves, add the crinoline to the dye bath. Allow it to agitate for at least 30 minutes. Reset the cycle for another 30 minutes of agitation if a darker color is preferred.
6. After the agitation cycle, let the crinoline finish out the rinse cycle in the washing machine.
7. Hang to dry.
8. If a darker color is desired, repeat the dyeing process.
9. Clean the washing machine by running a large, hot water cycle and adding detergent and one cup of bleach.

Once the crinoline has been dyed to the color of choice, it should be laundered on its own with a mild detergent to help remove any lingering dye residue. Once the item is dry, the crinoline is ready to show off on the wedding day.

Source:

* RIT Dye Companyn Annalise Kaylor