It is week 3 of my Irresistible Dyeing Techniques class at the
NSCCD. In the first couple of weeks we explored different shibori techniques using indigo dye, and last week we created 3D fabrics using thermo-plastic techniques and I demonstrated how to use rusty objects to create beautiful designs and patterns on fabric.
At the beginning of each class we always have a 'show and tell' where we share the outcomes of our methods from the previous week. This is a lovely way to learn from each other, as we all bring our unique life experiences with us to the class room.
This week, one of my students brought in a large panel of fabric (approximately 60cm x 60cm) to show her exquisite rust design that was inspired by my rust demonstration. It is created using an old metal ceiling tile she collected on her travels. Isn't it lovely!
And the best part is that the technique is very simple to do.
How Does It Work?
The rust-dyeing process is extremely
simple. When a rusty object is in contact with fabric, fibre or
paper, it leaves an imprint. Place your rusty items on fabric,
wet it with water and vinegar to hasten the oxidisation (rusting)
process, and leave the fabric and rusty item together until we are
satisfied with the colour or pattern. Then remove the item, and wash
the fabric. The whole process takes only
a few days and requires little effort.
Equipment
Fabric - cotton and silk are the
best fabrics for dyeing. Wool fabric will take dye, but the rust
tends to colour it a bit harshly; a wool/cotton blend can be a
better choice, if that works for your project.
Plastic kitchen gloves
Spray bottle filled with a mixture
of 50 percent water and 50 percent vinegar
Plastic bags or wrap (optional)
Plastic bin, box or tray
Rusty items which can be used over, and over, and over again.
You can even rust non-rusty iron
items. To aid the rusting process place in a shallow pan with a bit
of salt, water, and vinegar, and in a few weeks, it was fabulously
rusty and ready for dyeing.
Method
Cover your working surface with plastic
bags or wrap. Rust will also dye your clothes, so wear old clothes
that you don’t mind staining.
Lightly spray your fabric with the
vinegar/water mixture.
Place your rusty items on the fabric in
any pattern you like.
Place another piece of fabric on top.
Keep your fabric slightly moist for the
next few days; this will help the rust designs to develop. (Tip:
Weight down the fabric with small items such as rocks or bottles if
you want to make your imprint clearer.)
Lightly spray your fabric with the
vinegar/water mixture (1:1 ratio). You can add extra vinegar at any time, to help
speed the dyeing process.
Now, wrap loosely with a plastic bag to
keep the fabric moist, which hastens the dyeing process, but you also
want to make sure air can reach the fabric as well. Oxygen is
necessary for the rust to develop.
Length of the Dyeing Process
Check your fabric once a day or so;
make sure it’s damp, and see how the colour is developing.
For light colours, you may only want to
leave your dyeing project for one day.
For very dark intense colour, you might
leave it for 4 or 5 days.
If left too long, the rust can
eventually damage the fabric, especially if it is thin or delicate.
However, if you check your fabric every day or so, you should not
have any problems.
I find that the rust-dye develops more
quickly in warmer environments; I especially love rust-dyeing
outdoors in the summer, as it goes very quickly.
Finishing Your Dyeing Process
When you are satisfied with the colour
and patterning of your fabric, remove the rusty items and keep them
for use in your next project.
Next, immerse the fabric in a light
saline solution; this completely stops the rusting process and
neutralizes the fabric. For the solution, I use about one tablespoon
of salt in 4 litres of water.
Then wash the fabric as normal – if
it’s silk or wool, hand wash with dishwashing liquid and rinse
thoroughly. If it’s a cotton or synthetic, you may machine wash and
dry as normal.
