FAQ

Do I need to prewash hand-dyed fabric?

Yes. It's best to prewash any fabric before starting your sewing project, but especially hand dyed fabric. Bright and dark colors are the most prone to bleed.

Method One (preferred): Separate your fabric by color and by lights/darks. Place each batch into a container large enough for them to move freely in water. This container should not be a container you use for food. I prefer white or clear buckets. Add enough water for the fabric to move freely, with a little Synthrapol or plain dish detergent (like Dawn original). Let the fabric soak for a few hours. If there is color in the water, drain and repeat until the water runs clear. If you wish you can run the fabric through a washing machine load with Color Catchers for a final check.

Method Two: If you have enough similar fabric to make a washing machine load, you can wash with Color Catchers. You may need several Color Catchers per load depending on the fabric. You may also need to wash multiple times until the Color Catchers don't pick up anything. Be aware that even with Color Catchers in the wash fabrics can bleed onto other lighter shades, so you do still need to separate your colors and your lights from darks.

Do I need to prewash hand-dyed yarn?

No. The dye used for yarn is different, and doesn't usually bleed once the yarn is rinsed after dyeing.