I have a 10 yard bolt of white polar fleece. What color dye would be best for a Caucasian human skin tone? I'm most comfortable with rit dye. I've never dyed fleece before. But I've used rit for other textiles and am comfortable with it. I'm thinking either taupe, tan, or maybe even rose pink. This is for a fairly complex build, probably will take 2-3 yards to make the puppet so I don't want to waste a big chunk of fleece with a mis-dye.

Have you looked at the RIT color chart for ideas?

Here is the link to the RIT color formula guide. http://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide

Here is another chart. http://www.steinlaufandstoller.com/fabric%20dye%20custom%20colors.htm

This is an article with several variations on flesh colors. http://www.uncommonfolk.org/Recipes.html

Unfortunately, polar -anti pill fleece is polyester and polyester can not be dyed in the same manner.  Here is a good article.  http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/dispersedye.shtml

Antron fleece is nylon and accepts dye very well.

Julie

This company carries polyester dyes, but again, this is not the same process as with nylon fleece.  http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/10682595-AA.shtml?lnav=dyes.html

One thing to note: they mention that this dye is not for fireproof fabrics.  I'm not sure if all polyester fleece has been treated, but I remember years ago, some law about fleece and other fabric such as things used for clothing had to be flame retardent. 

If you decide to try dyeing antron I'd be happy to help.  Also, StiqPuppets has very helpful videos on youtube.

Julie

Julie is totally on the nose with this one.

Dee, (the dark haired puppet from my gallery) is polar fleece dyed with Poly iDye that I purchased from Joann Fabrics. It took several patch tests to find a formula that I was okay with. I have had greater success with ALJO dyes specifically for polyester ALJO However, don't expect to get super dark or vivid colors with the polar fleece. It takes ALOT of work to get the dye to set and look good.

Also, don't try to dye more than one yard of fabric at a time. I like to use those tupperware type long containers they use for underbed storage, since it's easier to spread the fabric out more. Also make sure you keep agitating the fabric, or you will get streaks. Oh, and make sure your dye is completely dissolved or you will get nasty blotches.

If you want to do custom colors, I think Antron really is the best way to go for future projects. (Since you already have 10 yards of polar, my guess is you are trying to find a solution for right now...)

I have been experimenting with using alcohol inks to dye polar fleece, with some success. Again, the colors aren't going to be as bright as the ink itself, but I'm trying to find more "green" alternatives to the rit dyes and such. Here's a patch test I did earlier in the week, with the original ink color above the swatch...



I wouldn't recommend this for large amounts of fabric, but if you are trying to make features or something along those lines, this might work for you.

Hope this helps.