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Tie-Dye Instructions

Posted22 December 2022
Updated28 May 2023

For Use With Procion MX Dyes

Procion MX Dyes are ideal for tie and dye.  The concentrated, intermixable colours give colourfast, permanent, vibrant results.

Before You Begin

Calculate the amount of dye required by weighing the garment to be dyed (Dry weight) (see table below):

Quantities For Every 100gms Dry Weight Of Garment

2 litres of water 5gms Dye 80gms of salt 20gms of fixer (Soda Ash)

Basic Equipment

  • Dye
  • Salt
  • Table Covering
  • Weighing scales
  • Measuring Jug
  • Buckets/Large Bowls
  • Kitchen Towel/Cloths
  • Latex Gloves
  • Elastic Bands/String
  • Natural Fabric garments e.g. cotton T Shirt
  • Funnels
  • Squeeze Bottles
  • Plastic Bag

Preparation

  • Cover work surface with plastic/protective cover
  • Wash fabric, rinse and leave damp
  • Fold, gather or pleat fabric into required pattern.
  • Rubber bands, waxed thread and string can be used.
  • The garment needs to be damp for a more defined pattern –(see below for instructions)

Soaking The Fabric In The Fixing Solution

  • For every 100gms dry weight fabric, pour 2 litres warm tap water into a large container
  • Add 20gms fixer (Soda Ash) for every 100gms dry weight fabric and dissolve thoroughly
  • Put garment in soda ash mixture – leave for 20 minutes.

(The fabric can then either be left to dry and dyed at a later date or the dyeing can be carried out immediately, in which case, the fabric should be squeezed out and left damp.  The solution can be used until it is all gone.  If the dyeing is going to be carried out at a later date, remember to dampen the fabric before carrying out the dyeing process.)

Mixing The Dye (Per 100gms Dry Weight Of Fabric)

  • Wear your gloves and a dust mask!
  • Dissolve 5gms dye in 500mls warm water (40 degrees Celsius)
  • Stir 80gms Salt in to 1.5 litres of warm water (40 degrees Celsius).  Add dye and stir thoroughly.

Applying The Colour & Washing Out

  • Using Funnels – pour mixed dye into squeeze bottles and apply. 
  • Alternatively, colour can be applied using pipettes, paint brushes, sponge brushes or sponges
  • Place fabric in a plastic bag and leave it for at least 4 hours but preferably 24 hours.
  • Leaving the ties in place, rinse thoroughly in cold water until clear
  • Untie and wash in hot soapy washes until clear of unfixed dye
  • Dry and iron

Hints & Tips

Natural fibres such as Cotton, Calico, Linen, Viscose, Rayon, Ramie, Flax, Hemp, Jute and Sisal are all suitable.  Silk is also suitable.

For an exceptionally dense black use 10gms dye for every 100gms dry weight fabric.  Additionally, recently boiled tap water must be used instead of tepid water.

Safery In Use

Care should be taken when handling all dyes/associated chemicals –THE USE OF RUBBER GLOVES AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IS RECOMMENDED. Precautions MUST be taken to avoid accidental ingestion, inhalation and skin and eye contact. Keep containers closed and away from children. Information contained in this publication or as otherwise supplied is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith, but without guarantee as we have no control over conditions of use and individual application

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