How to Make Simple Chemical Water for Dyebaths

Fabric Dyeing is both an art and a science. I like the art part better, so I have honed how I create my dyebaths down to the simplest form. Read on to explore the simplest dyebath recipe ever. This is for a one gallon Procion MX fiber reactive dyebath.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2.5 TB Soda Ash
• 1 cup Salt
• 1 gallon lukewarm water
• pre-mixed Procion MX dye
• 3 gallon plastic bucket
• stirring utensil
• plastic gloves
• dust mask, or respirator

1. 
   Cup'o'salt

   Measure 1 cup of salt (table salt is fine) and dump it in the plastic bucket.

2. Measure out 2.5 Tablespoons of Soda Ash (see more info about soda ash below). Place this in the bucket, too.

3. Add 1 gallon of lukewarm water to the bucket.

4. Stir until all is dissolved.

5. Add pre-mixed Procion MX fabric dye. Make sure to place the container under the chemical water' s surface to avoid splashing.

6. Stir.

Tips & Warnings

• Some water supplies may require other chemicals due to excessive soft, or hard water. Before using any chemicals, including soda ash and dye powders, check out what's out there and decide based on your circumstances.
• Wait 24 hours before dumping out your dyebath. The PH will be the same as water after that time span.
• Soda ash will irritate your skin and eyes. Please wear gloves and dust mask, or respirator.

Resources

• Dharmatrading Company- supply resource
• Ambermayhem Textile Arts website