Color Theory

All of the information on this page was assembled in collaboration with the Facebook group Dyed Baby Carriers. If you have more questions regarding dyeing your baby carrier, join their group for assistance!

Introduction to Color Theory

There are two basic rules in color theory to keep in mind when dyeing.

1) Dye will ADD TO the original color, not replace it.

• Dyes work best on analagous colors - colors on the same side of the color wheel.
• A blue fabric dyed with yellow dye will turn GREEN.
• The combination of complimentary (opposite) colors will typically yield a muddy brown.
• A purple fabric dyed with yellow dye will turn brown.

• Black cannot be dyed any other color. If it is a very faded black, you may be able to get a very dark color like navy blue.
• Dark colors can only be dyed darker.
• If you want to make a wrap or fabric lighter, you must strip it first.
• Structured carriers cannot be stripped.

For more information, read the following article:

• Color Matters Basic Color Theory
• Color Theory Infographic

More Resources

• Jacquard Dye Mixing Chart
• Paula Burch Procion MX Color Mixing Chart
• JAVA Dye Mixer
• TryColors Simple Color Mixer
• For fun: Test your Color Vision
• ColorSchemer app on iTunes
• Mixing Colors app on Google Play
• Tie Dye Doodle app on iTunes

-- Alyssa Leonard - 2017-02-17