Dye or print fabrics or costumes

​This standard is about your ability to dye or print fabrics and costumes to meet production requirements. 

This may involve preparing costumes or materials for dyeing or printing, applying different dying and printing techniques, assessing the results,  meeting standards throughout the process, knowing how the dyed /printed items will look on camera and outsourcing the work when appropriate.

This standard may be applicable to costume designers, costume supervisors, costume assistants, costume stand by, wardrobe assistants, and costume makers.

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1. ​consider the production time period, genre and any specific costume requirements prior to dyeing or printing 
2. confirm the brief for any dyeing and printing work including the budget 
3. obtain permissions from costume subcontractors or relevant individuals prior to dyeing or printing 
4. identify, source and use the most appropriate dye or ink for the required item  
5. create and analyse samples prior to dyeing and printing  
6. identify allergies or sensitivities to dyeing and printing products of performers and costume team 
7. ensure the work area is suitable, clean and free from risks and hazards 
8. use protective wear and equipment whilst carrying out the dying and printing process  
9. carry out and monitor the dying and printing process  
10. dye and print fabrics to the required quality standard 
11. inspect dyed products and report issues to the appropriate personnel in a timely and professional manner 
12. clean the work area and equipment after dying and printing 
13. dispose of waste following environmental procedures    
14. source appropriate subcontractors to undertake specialised dying and printing work required by the costume department 
15. ensure the dyeing and printing techniques used are appropriate for the production and chosen camera formats 
16. follow the productions confidentiality rules and requirements 
17. communicate clearly with production staff and other relevant departments or individuals  
18. follow health, safety and environmental legislation and guidelines at all times

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1. ​the production timescales and budget 
2. the time period /genres and ‘look’ of the production  
3. common allergies or sensitivities to dyeing and printing products 
4. different dyes/inks and their uses  
5. where to source dye and inks within budget 
6. the relevant permission needed prior to dyeing or printing 
7. how to create , analyse and assess samples 
8. different dyeing and printing technique 
9. risk control required when dying and printing Items 
10. the quality standard required 
11. who to liaise with relating printing or dyeing problems 
12. where to source appropriate external dyers / printers within budget and timescale 
13. how the dyes and prints will look on stage/camera 
14. the production's confidentiality rules and requirements 
15. communication protocol  
16. statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations

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2

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30 Mar 2025

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Current

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Original

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ScreenSkills

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SKSQ20

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Arts, Media and Publishing, Associate Professionals and Technical Occupations, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Media and Communication, Media Associate Professionals

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3422

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costume; wardrobe; dye; print; fabrics; dyeing; printing; monitoringquality; outsourcing; techniques; camera

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