Cross-dyed
Also known as: Cross dyeing
Dyeing a blend fabric with two dye classes so each fibre type takes a different shade.
Description
Cross-dyed is a process that exploits the different affinity of various fibre types for certain dye classes. In a blend fabric (e.g. cotton/polyester or wool/nylon) two dye classes are used in the same bath or successive baths: reactive dyes for cotton, disperse dyes for polyester. Each fibre type takes only the class suited to it and ends up in a different colour.
The result is a shading, often melange look with two visible shades that appear from microscopic to clearly visible depending on weave and fibre distribution. Classic examples are chambray shirts with white weft and blue warp or sportswear in a two-tone melange look.
Process-wise cross-dyed dyeings are demanding: dye choice, pH, temperatures and dyeing sequence must be exactly matched so the two colours do not bleed into each other. Cross-dyed textiles are used in sport polos, business shirts with melange look and fashion sportswear. The effect is wash resistant because both dyes are firmly anchored in their fibres.
Properties
| Process | Two dye classes in a blend fabric |
|---|---|
| Result | Two-tone melange or chambray look |
| Colour fastness | High, both dyes firmly anchored |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Chambray Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chambray
- Textile Learner: Cross Dyeing textilelearner.net https://textilelearner.net/cross-dyeing/
