How to Mix Procion MX Fabric Dyes

Fiber Reactive dyes are a great dye for "cellulose" natural fiber such as cotton, rayon and linen. However, they can be a little finicky and need to be mixed thoroughly to get their full effect. This is a simple way to dissolve Procion MX Fiber Reactive dyes like a pro.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Procion MX fabric dye
• Tablespoon
• Plastic container with a flat bottom
• Lid for the container
• Warm water
• Liquid measuring cup
• Dust Mask, or Respirator
• Plastic gloves

1. Put on your plastic gloves and dust mask, or respirator (see warnings).

2. Measure out 1/2 a cup of warm water in the measuring cup.

3. Measure out the manufacturer's recommended amount of dye powder for the dyebath size you are creating. A general guide is 1 Tsp. per 1 gallon bucket, but make sure to follow the directions for the particular color you are using.

4. Place the measured dye powder in the flat-bottomed plastic container.

5. Add a small amount of warm water to the dye powder.

6. 
   Dye powder and water mixture

   Create a moist dye powder/water paste. Crush the dye powder with the teaspoon as you stir.

7. Add a little more warm water to the paste.

8. Continue to add water to the paste mixture until the dye is dissolved. Usually this is about 1/2 cup.

9. If the dye powder is still not dissolved, put a little bit of hot water in the plastic container. Put the lid on the container and, using both hands to hold the lid on, shake the container vigorously. Make sure to have the container away from your face and anything you do not want dye on!

10. 
    Shirt immersed into dyebeth

    Add the dissolved dye to the chemical water (see manufacturer instructions) and Voila! You have a dyebath ready for fabric!

Tips & Warnings

• This technique is especially helpful with warm colors which are notorious for not dissolving.
• Read my article "How to Make Simple Chemical Water for Dyebaths" to finish your dyebath.
• Or, go to Dharmatrading.com and find other recipes and buy supplies.
• Fiber Reactive dyes are a lung irritant. Please wear a dust mask at all times when you are using dye in it's powder form. If you plan on dyeing fabric frequently, invest in a good respirator.
• Fiber Reactive dyes will dye your skin, but will fade over a day, or two.

Resources

• Dharmatrading Company
• Ambermayhem Textile Arts website