Over Dyed Rugs by Doris Leslie Blau

What Kind of Carpets can be Turned into Over dyed Rugs?

What is the Process of Making Over dyed Rugs?
Over dyed rugs are made by undergoing the over-dyeing process presented in the following five steps.
- First, a rug is bleached in order to remove any dye left on a pile or just to fade it.
Next, the new dye is applied and the carpet is subsequently acid-washed.
- During the third step, the rugs are carefully cleaned in order to set the color.
- After hand-washing it to get the desired hue, the carpet is dried under the sun, setting the new colors permanently on its surface. Despite what some might think, only vegetable-based, 100% natural dyes are used during the process.
- While chemical dyes provide a wider palette of colors, the majority of craftsmen still prefer to use natural dyes which are better for the environment and create more vibrant and mesmerizing hues, deeply embedded in centuries-long weaving tradition. This whole operation does not remove the pattern – instead, it is reduced to just an outline, creating a solid foundation.
Most over dyed rugs display quite a few slightly different shades which are a result of the uneven surfaces and original pattern.
What are Other Methods of Making Over dyed Rugs?
