How to dye denim

[gypsyfloss]

I have a denim jacket that is a great cut and fit but has a slightly faded effect on the back and arms.

Is it possible to dye it a darker blue/indigo colour? If so which brand of dye should I use? And is it a machine or a big bucket and a wooden spoon type of job?

If this works it'll be the first time S&B has actually saved me money :)

This should do it. Pretty widely available AFAIK.

Follow the instructions carefully. Don't forget to clean the washing machine seal and run an empty, hot cycle afterwards.

Thanks MrsLettuce. I'll keep an eye out for that.

I love Dylon dyes, have dyed all sorts since me teenage years.
You do know that your denim jacket will lose the denim look, though, as the colour will be uniform after dyeing IYSWIM?

Eh no , I hadn't thought of that . See, this is why I'm glad I asked MN.

I use this. It's brilliant, you don't have to bother with the faff of salt etc, you just run it through on a wash cycle and then once it has finished, run another one with powder so it gets rid of the excess and cleans the machine.

I did my denim jacket the other week 'cause I was bored of it and it is now navy. I re-dyed DS1's navy chinos that were looking washed out, did his black jeans and some black hand towels. I am about to do DS2's navy and white checked chino shorts that he doesn't like anymore.

You get it in Wilko's it's about £4.50 IIRC.

I've used the dylon jean dye before and it is dark denim coloured but like ck said it isn't patchy and worn looking like normal denim. If you want a dark denim coloured blue should be fine. Also the stitching on denim is normally a different colour, some Dylons cover the thread colour, some change the colour and some it stays the same colour. Alll worth considering. Can never fully guess what it will look like.

I think the not knowing what it might turn out like is the problem. If I was going to bin/charity shop it then I wouldn't mind if it turned out badly. But I want to wear it on holiday . I'll have a think about it ... perhaps I ought to experiment on some old jeans first.

I have used the Dylon jeans dye on a pair of jeans, I really like dark denim. After a few washes they faded a little bit, so that could be your answer, dye and then wash a few times.