Ring dyeing

Ring dyeing is a type of dyeing fault in which dyes are partially diffused to the interior of fibre.^[1] Most dyes are stained on to the fibre surface that form layer of dyes on to fibre surface. Thus around the fibre a ring-like appearance of the dye can be viewed cross-sectionally. This ring-like dye layer opposes further dye diffusion. This problem leads to poor wash fastness and rubbing fastness of dyed fabric, as well as other staining-related fastness properties.

The dye particles are not penetrated uniformly throughout the fibre structure due to several reasons, like poor pre-treatment of yarn before dyeing, channeling of dye liquor circulation due to faulty loading of carriers with yarn wound packages, high density of packages (especially in cheese/cone dyeing), and many more.

Ring dyeing can happen by accident, but sometimes it is a desired effect sought out by dyers. One example of this is blue jeans (dyed with indigo) that are intentionally dyed so that the blue color will fade more quickly.^[2][3]

References

1. Aspland, J. Richard (1997). Textile Dyeing and Coloration. AATCC. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-9613350-1-4.
2. "Ring Dyeing". Heddels. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
3. Gias Uddin, Mohammad (October 2014). "Indigo Ring Dyeing of Cotton Warp Yarns for Denim Fabric". Chemical and Materials Engineering. 2 (7): 149–154. doi:10.13189/cme.2014.020701. ISSN 2332-1032.