dyefibers

Dyefibers refers to fibers that have been colored by dyes. The term can apply to natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and linen, as well as synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Dyeing can occur at different stages of production: fiber dyeing, yarn dyeing, piece dyeing, and garment dyeing. Fiber dyeing involves adding dye to the fiber while it is prepared in the production process, often yielding the most uniform color throughout the fiber cross-section and improving colorfastness.

Dyes used for different fiber types vary. Reactive and direct dyes are common for cellulose fibers, acid dyes for protein fibers, and disperse dyes for synthetic fibers. Vat dyes are valued for their colorfastness on natural fibers, while sulfur dyes provide deep, dark shades. The choice of dye and method depends on the fiber type, desired shade, and end-use performance. Yarn dyeing colors individual yarns before fabric formation, enabling patterns such as stripes and plaids but with potential shade variation between lots. Piece dyeing colors finished fabric after weaving or knitting, often offering faster production and broader color ranges.

Quality considerations include colorfastness to washing and light, crocking resistance, and shade uniformity across large runs. The dyeing process can affect the hand or feel of the fabric, and dye penetration can vary by fiber cross-section. Environmental concerns focus on dye effluent, water use, and energy consumption; modern processes increasingly emphasize recycling, closed-loop water systems, and the use of more sustainable or lower-toxicity dyes.

Historically, fiber dyeing has evolved from natural dyes and mordants to modern synthetic dyes, enabling a wide color palette and scalable textile production.