The Basket Maker's Catalog

Basketry Dyes and Dye Information

Add distinction and uniqueness to your creations with beautiful colors! One package will dye approximately 2 pounds of weaving materials. Choose from DEKA Dyes or Cushing's Dyes. For helpful information check out the General Information and Instructions for Dyeing Reed.

Whether you have chosen DEKA brand dye or Cushing's Perfection Direct Dyes, there are several general instructions to be followed. Once you have read the general instructions, read the information which applies to the particular brand of dye you are using. Both dyes work well on reed materials. Please note that your water's chemical content and temperature affect the dyeing process. Have fun, and enjoy dyeing your reed!

General Instructions:

1. Bundle your reed loosely and tie loosely.
2. Prepare enough bundles to insure plenty of material for the project at hand.
3. Soak the bundles in warm water for about an hour and rinse.
4. Work in a well ventilated area and do not inhale the dye powder.
5. Protect your work surface with newspaper. Avoid direct skin contact with dye powder.
6. Use rubber gloves.
7. Keep all dye pots and materials away from food areas.
8. Keep dye pots for dyeing only--not for cooking. Enamel pots are recommended.
9. Dyebath may be saved and reused. Seal and store in a cool place.
10. When using dyed reed in your baskets, wet the dyed reed by dipping your hand into water and rubbing the reed just to moisten it slightly. This helps avoid bleeding of the dyed reed onto other areas of your basket.

Note: Contents of one package of dye will dye approximately 2 lbs. of reed. Adjust the dye-to-reed ratio for lighter or darker shades. For color consistency, use a proportionate amount of dye; in other words, for 1 lb., of reed, use 1/2 of the dye from the package. Dye reed as described below.
Rinse well with cold water. Thoroughly rinse 7 or 8 times until no color is visible in the rinse water. Hang reed to dry in a well ventilated area or on a line outdoors.

When using Cushing's Perfection Direct Dyes: In a large enamel pot, put enough water to completely cover the reed. Add 4 oz., of common table salt (per lb. of reed) and stir. Dissolve dye powder in 1 cup hot water and add dye to salt water. Stir to mix well.
Add reed to dye mixture. Bring to a simmer. Constantly stir the dyebath and move your reed around to assure even dyeing. Simmer for 20 minutes or more. Rinse well.

If using DEKA brand dyes: Contents of package will dye about 2 lbs. Of reed--depending on the intensity of color needed. Adjust the dye-to-reed ratio for lighter or darker shades.
Dissolve 1 package of dye with 2 Tbsp. salt in 2 quarts of boiling water and stir well. Put dye mixture into a large (enamel) pot or plastic pail and add enough hot water to cover the reed. Immerse soaked reed into dyebath and stir. Be sure there is enough room for the reed to move around freely. After about an hour, check the reed's color. Reed can remain in the dye bath overnight. Rinse well.

Dye bath will keep for weeks, just add more dye to the bath for successive dyeing.