| Special Effects |
| Dyeing
the tips |
| If you use very long mohair it can be tip-dyed by holding the backing material with a pair of tongs and just lowering the ends into the dye. Also by pulling up a few 'tufts' of the mohair and saturating with
hand cream or hair conditioner, this will delay the uptake of dye in these areas and can give a streaked effect. |
| Dyeing
just the backing |
| Another effect is to put a small amount of dye in the bottom of a large pan and gently lower the mohair, backing first, dying the backing a dark colour and leave most of the mohair
undyed |
| Dip
Dyeing Teddies |
|
To
stop parts sinking into the dye attach a strong thread to the top of each
arm, leg and his body, wet all but face pieces in warm water and squeeze
gently. |
|
Dissolve
2ml of first colour (about half a level teaspoon) into an inch of hand hot
water (not boiling) – test colour with off-cut adding a little more dye
if necessary. |
Lower
legs, tummy then arms, so that the bottom half only is
two thirds are immersed in dye.
Tie string ends to pan handles as in picture. When water starts
clearing carefully remove mohair from water and add a further second
colour and stir to dissolve |
 |
| Shorten
strings so only the last third each piece will be immersed and lower bear
pieces back into dye. Also immerse ears and tail in dye this time. |
After
dyeing rinse pieces thoroughly in warm water; adding fabric conditioner as
desired.
Gently towel dry then allow parts to dry flat naturally. |
| If
you rinse the pieces between dyeing and change the water in the pan you
can make bolder colour changes |
| On larger teddies
also try tie-dyeing for unusual effects |
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