Dyeing Process Terminology Quiz

Dyeing Process

• Dyeing is the process of applying color to fiber stock, yarn, or fabric.
• The dyeing of a textile fiber is carried out in a solution, generally aqueous, known as the dye liquor or dye bath.

Types of Dyes

• Natural Dyes: extracted from plants, insects, and animals (e.g. Indigo, Alizarin, Cochineal, Tyrian Purple)
• Synthetic Dyes: prepared in laboratories or factories, easy to use, cheaper, brighter, fast, and have a wider range of colors

Classification of Dyes

• According to source:
  • Natural Dyes (from plants, insects, and animals)
  • Synthetic Dyes (prepared in laboratories or factories)
• According to method of application:
  • Reactive Dyes: react with fiber molecules to form color, extremely fast to both lighting and washing, require assistants like salt, soda ash, and resist salt
  • Direct Dyes: applied directly into the fabric, water soluble, needs salt addition in the dye bath, should be applied at alkaline or neutral condition, poor fastness to wash but cheaper

Examples of Dyes

• Methyl Orange: a pH indicator, changes color at the pH of a mid-strength acid, often used in titrations for acids
• Malachite Green: a type of triphenylmethane dye, bright green in color, can be applied directly to wool and silk, and to cotton by addition of mordant
• Alizarin: a red dye extracted from the roots of the madder plant, used to color fabrics

Tie-Dyeing

• A fun and simple way to make old or plain fabric items new again
• Materials needed: Venus fabric dye, T-shirt to be dyed, table salt, rubber bands, large pot or container, long-handled utensil, rubber gloves, and large towel