Abstract: This invention provides a method for applying color to a fabric to create random dye patterns thereon. The method comprises the steps of applying at least one dye accelerant onto the fabric in a random and nonuniform manner so that the resulting fabric has random areas containing dye accelerant and random areas not containing dye accelerant; applying dye to the fabric at a temperature effective to permit rapid absorption of the dye into the dye accelerant containing areas, and less or no absorption of the dye into the areas not containing dye accelerant; and removing unabsorbed dye while inhibiting migration of absorbed dye within the fabric. The present invention also provides a method for applying color to a fabric utilizing an automated dyeing apparatus. The present invention further provides a vat-dyed fabric having differing random patterns of dye intensity of at least one color on opposite sides of the fabric.