What’s great and easy about the bamboo steamers is they
usually have two sections, so you can steam more than one piece at a time. I
rolled my silk scarf on an old cotton sheet that I had cut a few inches larger
than the piece. (You can also use Muslim or Kraft brown paper). I then folded
the extra piece of fabric on the sides inwards and sealed my package with
masking tape. It important that the fabric does not touch itself, or else the
dye will transfer from one place to another.
I then placed one scarf package in the lower section of the
steamer and one in the upper.
I added a sheet of new paper to go under and
above my packages to catch any extra moisture. Place your steamer on a pot with
about ½ in of water. Boil the
water, then turn it down quickly to simmer. Make sure the water does not hit
your piece!
As for the time needed to steam a piece, it varies. The lighter
weight smaller pieces, you might get away with 45 min to an hour. But for crepe de
chine or heavier I would recommend 2- 3 hours especially when you have used
French dyes or jacquard dyes. The larger the piece the longer the time. Always check
your pot to make sure the water hasn’t dried up and replenish with more if
needed.
After finished steaming I take my piece out and I rinse it to get rid of excess
dyes with a softener like Downy. It also leaves your piece smelling nice and
soft.
Then voila! Your scarf is done and the colors are bright and
gorgeous!
