How To Dye Flesh Color Elastics For Dancesport, Country & Skate Dresses
Channel: Sew Like A Pro
Date: 2017-01-24

“I can’t find flesh color elastic to use for shoulder straps. How do I dye elastic? How do I get a good color to match my skin?”  Great Q from a Sew Like A Pro™ subscriber.  Let's talk about in today's video and written blog post.
https://seamssensational.com/how-to-dye-flesh-color-elastic/


Thanks to online fabric stores, it is possible to find elastic in limited colors. The problem with the color elastics I found is that they are as soft as the common bra strap - and wear out just as fast.

I find this bra-strap-type elastic too soft and unsupportive for what I would want to wear in a Dancesport, Country or skate dress.

After all, we dancers and skaters are constantly bending, stretching, kicking - and often times exposing our private areas. I want an elastic strong enough to make sure my trunks always stay down over my tush, my dress stays up at the neckline and over the shoulders.

Therefore, I head to my local fabric store and purchase a strong, resilient ribbed elastic usually called “braided elastic” in the U.S.

What type of dye should you use? 

There are several types of powder and liquid dyes available on the market. For dying elastic, I prefer RIT dye because it’s easiest to use.

Grab a box or bottle of tan or cocoa - whichever best matches your skin tone. Mixing RIT brand dye colors is perfectly fine so have fun experimenting with the color combination that works for you. Don’t forget to add in a splash of pumpkin or tangerine to create that delightful orange, fake tan color.

Since hot water deteriorates the elastic making it not as strong or resilient, I make a concentrated dye bath using minimal water and a lot more dye than the manufacturer recommends. By doing this, I only need to leave the elastic in the hot water 3-5 minutes. Sometimes a second soaking is needed, but if your dye bath is concentrated enough, one round does the trick.

Handy tip: the color on dyed elastics fade with multiple wearings. To maintain your elastics so they blend with your skin color, use tanning mouse or liquid make up and rub on the straps as needed.

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Hi, I'm Teresa Sigmon creator of the world-class, online course, Sew Like A Pro™, that teaches YOU how to make professional quality Dancesport, Country and Skate dresses. 

Each training series teaches you everything you need to know: 
1) how to take proper measurements 
2) how to make a pattern
3) how to design dresses for your body shape and size
4) how to calculate all fabrics
5) how to fit a competition Dancesport, Country or skate dress
6) how to finish all stitching
7) how to rhinestone


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Start sewing today create a more beautiful YOU.

If you enjoyed this video, subscribe to our YouTube channel while you're here, or better yet, never miss a beat ... sign up for free training videos, advice and get privy to special sales at http://www.seamssensational.com/