Can I dye a jean jacket without bleaching it first?

Question

It was initially kind of light to medium blue, and I tried to dye it black but it just kind of came out a slightly darker blue. For this to work will I have to use a color removing agent of some kind first?

Answer 1

What I would do is soak the jacket in vinegar first.  You also need to make sure you are using sufficient dye levels for the weight of the fabric.  For a jean jacket, I would go with Rit dye and use 3 boxes.  Make sure you allow quite a bit of time to let it soak in that dye.  Once finished, wash in cold water to set the fabric (may take twice washing in cold water to remove all traces of residual dye) before drying in dryer.  

Good luck!