Dyeing stands as the fundamental process of imparting colour to fibres, yarns, fabrics, or garments, employing a range of natural or synthetic dyes. The textile industry employs various dyeing methods to infuse colour into these materials.
Fibre Dyeing:
Fibre dyeing, also known as stock dyeing or top dyeing, entails colouring fibres before their integration into different hues to create unique yarns or fabrics. Stock dyeing refers to the colouring of fibres, or “stock,” before their transformation into yarn. Top dyeing shares a similar objective with stock dyeing, aiming to produce soft, heather-like colour effects. In this process, fibres are immersed in substantial vats, and dye liquor is compelled through the mass at high temperatures. Generally, this method is reserved for specific purposes.
Yarn Dyeing:
Yarn dyeing encompasses three primary methods: Skein dyeing, Package dyeing, and Space dyeing, with Package dyeing being the most widely used.
Skein dyeing suspends yarn skeins within an agitated dye bath, potentially moving the skeins during the dyeing process. Package dyeing, the prevalent method, involves winding yarn onto perforated spindles or spools before submerging them in a dye bath. The dye liquor circulates back and forth through the packages within closed systems at elevated temperatures and pressures. This technique is also suitable for dyeing fabric rolls. Space dyeing, a specialised form, applies dye liquor to yarns at specific intervals through a roller-type dye pad. The dyed yarn then proceeds to a hot water steam box for colour development and fixation, followed by thorough rinsing.
Fabric Dyeing:
Fabric dyeing, the most commonly employed method today, is favoured over yarn dyeing due to its continuous or semi-continuous nature. Prominent fabric dyeing methods include beck (winch), jet, jig, and continuous range. The selection of the ideal method hinges on factors such as fabric composition (cotton, synthetic, or blends) and dye types (jet dyeing predominates for synthetic fibres). Water consumption and effluent quantities correlate with the specific dyeing process chosen.
Garment Dyeing:
Garment dyeing immerses the entire article of clothing in the dye bath, resulting in colour variations across the garment. This method primarily suits non-tailored and simpler garments, such as sweaters, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hosiery, and pantyhose. It’s important to note that complete dye penetration may not occur in areas like seams, buttons, and zippers due to the garment’s intricate structure.
