top of page

Dyes, Fixers, and Mixing Instructions

For the best tie-dye results, use fiber-reactive dyes made for natural fabrics like cotton, rayon, linen, and hemp. These dyes are designed to create bright, long-lasting color when used with a soda ash soak.

 

Recommended supplies

​

  • Fiber-reactive dye powder for vibrant, permanent color on natural fabrics.

  • Soda ash fixer to prepare the fabric and help the dye bond properly.

  • Urea if your dye recipe calls for it, especially for some powder dye mixes and stronger saturation.

  • Water for mixing dye into squeeze bottles.

  • Gloves, squeeze bottles, rubber bands, plastic wrap, and a rack or tray for applying and setting the dye.

HOW TO MIX THE TIE-DYE CHEMICALS

Soda ash soak:
Mix about 1 cup of soda ash per gallon of warm water, then soak the fabric for about 20 to 30 minutes before dyeing.

Fiber-reactive dye in squeeze bottles:
Add the dye powder to the bottle first, then fill with room-temperature water and shake until fully dissolved. A common beginner ratio is 1 tablespoon of dye powder per 16 ounces of water for strong color, or 1 teaspoon per 4 ounces of water for smaller bottles.

Dye fixer / post-dye treatment:
If you use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative, follow the label directions. One published use rate is 1/2 cup fixative with 3 gallons of water for every pound of dry fabric.

WHERE TO BUY TIE-DYE SOLUTIONS AND DYES

Dharma Trading Co. for Procion MX dyes and supplies:  https://www.dharmatrading.com/

Grateful Dyes for tie-dye instructions and supplies: https://www.grateful-dyes.com/

Jacquard Products for beginner tie-dye kits: https://www.jacquardproducts.com/

Rit Dye for fixative and all-purpose dye products: https://www.ritdye.com/

Tulip Tie-Dye Kits for beginner one-step kits:  https://tulipcolor.com/

bottom of page