I have some pillow shams that are cream color and 100% cotton. Can I dye them a light to medium purple?


Name: Beth

—ADVERTISEMENTS—


Procion MX Fiber Reactive Cold Water Dye

Procion MX Dye

ideal for cotton, rayon, linen, and silk

When mixed with soda ash, Procion dyes are permanent, colorfast, and very washable. You can easily create a palette of brilliant colors ranging from light pastels to deep, vibrant hues.


Message: I have some pillow shams that are cream color and 100% cotton. Can I dye them a light to medium purple, and if so what should I use? Thank you for your time!

If they're washable, they should be dyeable. Wash them thoroughly before dyeing. If there is a stain-resistant or permanent-press finish, it will interfere with dyeing, but otherwise you'll probably be fine. 

The yellowish tint in the original cream color will make your purple a little bit duller and more muted, since yellow is the visual opposite of purple, but since it's pale it should work out okay, at least for medium to dark shades of purple.

I recommend that you use a cool water fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dyes. (See "About Fiber Reactive Dyes".) These dyes will give you vastly better results than all-purpose dyes such as Rit or Tintex, and they are easier to use since you don't have to heat the fabric in the water with the dye. You can buy Procion MX dye in the best local crafts stores and by mail-order; you can also look for Dylon Cold Water Dye, Dylon Permanent Dye, or Tulip One Step Fashion Dye, all of which contain good fiber reactive dyes. In the UK or Australia, look for Dylon Machine Dye.

For instructions, see those that come with the package of dye that you buy, or see my pages of instructions, including How to Hand Dye and Washing Machine Dyeing.

(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)

Posted: Sunday - April 26, 2009 at 10:00 PM          

Follow this blog on twitter here.



Home Page ]   [ Hand Dyeing Top ]   [ Gallery Top ]   [ How to Dye ]   [ How to Tie Dye ]   [ How to Batik ]   [ Low Water Immersion Dyeing ]   [ Dip Dyeing ]   [ More Ideas ]   [ About Dyes ]   [ Sources for Supplies ]   [ Dyeing and  Fabric Painting Books ]   [ Links to other Galleries ]   [ Links to other informative sites ] [ Groups ] [ FAQs ]   [ Find a custom dyer ]   [ search ]   [ contact me ]  


© 1999-2011 Paula E. Burch, Ph.D. all rights reserved