In home tie-dying, how do you keep the colors from bleeding onto the white parts of the pattern after rinsing?

Question

I use Rit dye on the stovetop and get exceptional colors and patterns in my home tie-dyes. The problem is, no matter how well I rinse (before and after removing the bands), by the time I use detergent to wash it, the colors bleed together, and tinge the white, so that the piece is muted instead of brilliant. Is there a pre-bath I should use to help set the colors? I've tried rinsing under running water, instead of in a tub, until the water runs completely clear, and this helps a little. Still, when it is washed, it bleeds onto itself and is no longer as attractive. If I hand-wash the piece and rinse quickly under running water, again, the colors still look nice, until it is laundered. I've tried heat-setting in the dryer and ironing the pieces before laundering a second time, but all to no avail. How do I keep my tie-patterns distinct and bright?

Answer 1

after you rinse it, try soaking it in vinegar & water while its still banded, then again after you take the bands of. the vinegar will set the dye

Answer 2

Don't use Rit dye. It's horrible for tie dying. Someone else suggested chemicals from Dharma Trading Company. They also sell Procion dyes. These are the best for tie dyes. Dharma sells kits that include all you need for great tie dyes. These dyes don't run into the whites like Rit dyes do. Dharma also sells a soap to wash your tie dyes in after rinsing that keeps colors from bleeding into one another. With Rit dye, no matter how many times you wash the item, it'll always bleed and fade. Procion dyes do not fade.

Answer 3

You can also get chemicals from Dharmatrading.com that will pre-treat and seal the dyes, or at least keep it in suspension so it won't settle back onto the fabric. Also, use a gentle cycle and a short wash time, to minimize the dye scrubbing off.

Answer 4

u should rinse in cold water and vinegar

Answer 5

do you soak it in a vinegar water bath when finished? that should help