Dyeing to Dye

Procion MX cold-water reactive dye
Skill level: beginner
6 or 3 hour format
$30.00 supply fee for 6hr class
(fabric not included)
$16.00 supply fee for 3hr class
(fabric not included)

Immerse yourself in the glorious world of color and  learn to use Procion MX dyes. Students will use Procion MX dyes on 1/2 yard pieces of 100% cotton cloth. We will be dyeing a 12 step rainbow, a pastel rainbow, a three color mix, and trying several texture experiments. Various methods for folding, stitching and patterning fabrics will be taught in the 6 hr class. The process will continue at home where the dye will cure overnight and the students will rinse and dry the fabrics. Students should wear old clothing to all classes....dye and paint are permanent!

Student supplies:

  • Dust mask
  • Black permanent marker (Sharpie)
  • 20 quart sized zipper closure freezer bags
  • Plastic tub to transport baggies full of wet stuff
  • 6oz or larger empty bottle with lid
  • Long rubber gloves that fit well. Exam gloves are not long enough
  • Measuring spoons and cups (will never be used for food again)
  • Rubber bands, needle, scissors, strong thread
  • Clean empty gallon milk bottle with lid
  • 2 clean plastic buckets (1-3 gallon)
  • Paper towels
  • 2 or 3 plastic plates or Styrofoam trays
  • Yogurt tub or other quart container with lid
  • $30 supply fee
  • Fabric: You will need at least nine yards for ¼ yard pieces, a minimum of 18 yards for ½ yd pieces. Please tear fabric into “fat quarters” or ½ yard pieces before coming to class. A “fat quarter” is a ½ yard piece of fabric halved through the short side so that you have a fat rectangle instead of a narrow strip.

We will be using Procion dyes which only work on cellulose or protein fibers: cotton, viscose rayon, silk or linen. Make sure there is no permanent press finish and no polyester or other synthetic fiber in any unknown blend. Do a burn test if you are unsure.. A hard melted lump indicates synthetic fibers. All non-PFD (prepared for dye) fabric needs to be washed with detergent in very hot water but doesn’t need to be ironed. Do not use any fabric softener. If a drop of water is quickly absorbed into the fabric you will probably be fine.

Bleached fabrics result in clearer colors than muslin or beige fabrics. Look for PFD fabrics carried by many quilt shops. I order from www. Dharmatrading.com, Prochemical.com, or Testfabrics.com

To schedule this class contact Lyric.
Click here for Lyric’s teaching and lecture contract.