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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: temom
Date: 05-15-2007, 12:32 PM (1 of 12)
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So I found a pretty cotton knit t-shirt type fabric in the clearance section, and it is a seriously neon fuchsia pink. Having learned many things here, the first thing I do is put new fabric in a dishpan of water & white vinegar to set the colors. This is the first time I've had fabric bleed. How long do you think it needs to soak before the color is set? Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-15-2007, 05:31 PM (2 of 12)
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I keep changing the water til it runs clear.. After the vinegar, if it still bleeds, then I put salt in the next water and soak for awhile.. Have only had to do that twice in 50 Plus years.. The vinegar usually does the trick..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 05-15-2007, 07:52 PM (3 of 12)
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Boy - that is a great thing to know. I'm not sure how I've missed it. I've never had a problem with fabric (so far) but I do have a couple of items of clothing that continually run. One of them is a favourite but I hardly ever wear it because I can't be bothered to wash it separately.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 05-15-2007, 08:38 PM (4 of 12)
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I have found another way to set some colours, and totally by accident. We all have those lovely stains that wont come out of clothes because we used fabric softener in the wash. So I now use it to my advantage. I use the salt for two changes of water, then I will soak the material in a double cap full of fabric softener overnight. But the best thing I have learnt is to iron your material on the hottest setting it can take before you even think about washing it. I seem to have had less problems with running colours since being told that most dyes are heat set these days.....( Some very wise person on this site!!!! Just can't remember who it was, sorry  )
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: temom
Date: 05-15-2007, 10:01 PM (5 of 12)
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Wow, thanks so much! I've never heard of the fabric softner trick. I used to just use salt, but often would run into trouble later with fading. Since I've been using the vinegar I haven't noticed as much fading. I'll use salt next, then fabric softner. thank you thank you thank you! Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: temom
Date: 05-22-2007, 10:42 AM (6 of 12)
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This fabric was a bugger! It has been soaking since the 15th in either vinegar or salt water, and still bleeding. I was going to just throw it away, but I bought liquid fabric softner at the store yesterday. I didn't measure, just poured a couple of "glugs" into my dishpan (which has since turned pink). I just rinsed it, and no color bleed. I have it sitting in clear water just to be sure. So thanks so much, Soph! Theresa Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: material_pakrat
Date: 05-22-2007, 06:30 PM (7 of 12)
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No problems. Love the measurement ... "glugs." But that just the right amount for the job! Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: Sancin
Date: 05-23-2007, 03:48 AM (8 of 12)
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I can't recall what is in fabric softener. When I dye fabrics with procion dyes, after I get the color I want I add salt and washing soda (dissolved in water) to the dye and fabric to 'set' the color. I dollop as well, but think there is a correct amount to use - at least a cup of salt. I have been doing this so long, I can't recall where I learned it 35+ years ago. You could check out Dharma dye company which may have the chemical rationale behind the practice. I would do it myself as I am curious, but rushing to finish something to take on holidays next week.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: texasmom_35
Date: 05-27-2007, 06:33 PM (9 of 12)
| For years I have always soaked my new clothes or material in 1 cup of table salt per washer machine full of clothes for at least 20 minutes and never had problems with them running. By accident one time I had a top make it into the salt water solution and the bottom not and it made a worlds of difference many washes down the line!!! I have never heard of the fabric softerner idea but I think I will try it some time. |
User: texasmom_35
Member since: 08-05-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: yoyomom
Date: 07-26-2007, 10:10 PM (10 of 12)
| I am a quilter and have used a product called Retayne to set color. It is very important that the fabric be constantly agitated when using this product or the color set is uneven. Leslie |
User: yoyomom
Member since: 07-08-2007 Total posts: 11 |
From: temom
Date: 07-28-2007, 06:22 PM (11 of 12)
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I have never heard of Retayne before. Does it matter what kind of a dye process was used to color the fabric?
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: MartySews2
Date: 07-29-2007, 06:01 PM (12 of 12)
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You might want to check on the Dharma Trading website for information on using Retayne. They have a lot of information that will help. Marty 
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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