Name: John

Country: Canada

Message: I have a couple of pieces of cotton muslin. 12' x 10' that I wish to dye.  I hope to use my top-loading washer.

How much dye of what type do I need for each?

What else do I need?

Do you ship by post?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The amount of dye you will need to use depends on the weight of your fabric. The simplest way to determine this is to just weigh it yourself. If it's not too heavy for your kitchen scale, that will be ideal. It may be too light for your bathroom scale, but try it, weighing yourself with and without the two pieces of fabric. If neither scale can handle this weight range, take it to the grocery store and try weighing it on a produce scale. The fabric should be dry when you weigh it.

I recommend that you use Procion MX dye. The amount of this type of dye you'll need will be the product of the weight of your fabric and the darkness to which you want to dye it. See my page, "How much Procion MX dye should I use?". You'll need more dye for a darker color, or less dye for a paler color. Scroll down to the second chart on that page to see approximately how much dye will be required per pound of fabric.

Using a top-loading washing machine is an easy way to dye fabric a solid color. See "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?". Be sure to pre-wash the fabric thoroughly in very hot water with detergent, to remove finishes that may interfere with dyeing. You will need about two cups of sodium carbonate (soda ash or washing soda), to set the Procion MX dye; see "What is soda ash? What's it for, in dyeing?". For dyeing in the washing machine, you will also need a large quantity of ordinary salt; see "Do I need to use salt, in dyeing?". One washing machine load typically requires ten pounds of salt. 

I am always grateful to those who support this web site by buying their dyes and other materials from the affiliate links on the site, and Blick Art Materials does ship to Canada. However, in your area you may find it more practical to order from a Canadian art supplier, such as G and S Dyes in Toronto. Please see "About This Site" for more ways to lend your support. Thank you.