Dyeing of trousers

[Third Mainer]

Now, before I ask, I did search and find a wealth of information, but not quite what I was looking for. I have snagged, at a very reasonable price a pair of very nice trousers that are a bit big on me (4-6" big.). With the upcoming early war shenanigans I was hoping to dye them a dark blue (These are standard fare Federal trousers). Has anybody done this, and if so, what is the best method? I have room for some shrinkage, and am not averse to a cold dye. Input, anyone?
Mike Pearson

[rpierson]

Re: Dyeing of trousers

Michael,

Many potential problems with this scenario... #1 is that you will dye the waistband lining, pocket bags etc. #2 Assuming you dye them in warm water, they will shrink. How much they will shrink is only something you will know once the process is complete. Cotton & Wool do not shrink at the same rate & this will be apparent in the ill fitting waistband,fly, pocket bags etc. etc. #3 Your trousers will now resemble a REALLY thick wool felt muppet. #4 What you consider to be "very nice" trousers will become NOT "very nice".

My advice? Don't do it. Sell 'em & get some proper dark blues.

-Randall Pierson

[Third Mainer]

Re: Dyeing of trousers

I did plan on removing the "innards" as it were, and only dyeing the wool bits. Now the muppet part, what would cause that? Is it the heat, agitation or both? Is there a method for dyeing that does not involve heat? Idle curiosity at this point, but it pays to know.
Mike Pearson

[Spinster]

Re: Dyeing of trousers

Heat, agitation, soap, and varying combinations, including changes in water temperature contribute to 'felting'.

That's not your only problem though.

These are used trousers. They've seen some sweat, and mayhaps even some bacon. In order for wool to take dye evenly, it must be clean-----scoured in fact. Depending on the dye process, I may use synthropol, Dawn detergent, lye, or soda as the stripper. They'll need cleaning throughly and rinsing throughly before ever entering the dyepot.

Yes there are cold dyes. I can do a period indigo with nothing more tham dye extract, a black pot and a concrete driveway in Alabama. But its not worth a bucket of warm spit on improperly scoured wool. All you'll get is a lovely rumpled 1960's tie dye rather than an 1860's trouser.

Sell one, buy another.

[Third Mainer]

Re: Dyeing of trousers

Thanks for the info. Sounds like time to buy some dark blue kersey and get to sewing!
Mike Pearson