Dyes For Fabric
Once you have decided on the kind of fabric you want to dye you can then move forward with the dyeing process. Each fiber requires different dyes and different methods for the dyeing process. I use Procion MX dyes so will be covering them here.
I've divided up the fabric dyeing steps into sections that can be done separately when you have time (split over several days if you like) or all in a row. I personally have things that I do that only take a short time every day so I can see the progress without having the projects take up time from my schedule of regular activities that have to be taken care of on a daily basis.
I do triple dyed fabrics that I use for quilted garments or to strip into narrow pieces that I do rag weaving with for my garments. The most common fabric I use is cotton, however, I also use silk and linen. For these fibers I use the Procion MX dyes and have developed extensive recipes for my use so I can produce similar colors each time if I am doing a short production run for a store. If someone wants a garment but the store does not have the customers size, I can create the fabric and the garment to fit the customer in the same color range the customer liked and ordered. The customer knows it will not be the exact pattern but the range of colors that they are selecting so they are happy with the one of a kind results.
Fabric preparation.
If you have not dyed the fabric you're using before and don't want to risk getting disappointing results, you may wish to prewash (i.e. scour) the fabric first. Some fabrics are treated with finishes that make it difficult for the dye to penetrate the fibers. Me? I have dyed thousands of yards of fabric (pretty much always using ordinary white or unbleached quilter's cotton) and have never had a problem. Using fabrics that are prepared for dyeing is the best place to begin.
Scouring fabric in washing machine: Time: One washer & dryer cycle.
Use one tablespoon of New Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent (or similar product) OR one teaspoon of Synthropol and (optional) ½ teaspoon of soda ash per 1-2 yards of fabric.
Open up the fabric fully to make sure the soap can completely penetrate it. This soap removes any sizing or finishes in the fabric that will inhibit the dyes.
Then decide what size pieces of fabric you want for the projects you hope to use your dyed fabrics in. That could be for applique, pieced quilting, quilted clothing, clothing or in garments. The piece size will give you what you need to start the project.
I usually make garments so I use 1 yard pieces in a five range gradation from dark to light. Same colors of dye in more to less color saturation. I find this quite satisfying for my particular line of garments. Then the different combinations of the color intensities can be selected based on the project I am working on and what it needs to be the most pleasing in the design elements on the finished garment.
Occasionally I use 2 yard pieces if I want the end garment to be floor length but have found over the time I have been dyeing the fabric for my garments that the 1 yard pieces usually are the easiest to dye and work with and work best for my particular garment styles.