Dyeing Prefolds, which dye is safest

[Adsullata]

but still permanent and won't run? Now that I've had my plain unbleached indian prefolds for a while, I'm thinking about dyeing some of them to liven things up a bit. In fact, I really want to try tie dyeing them even tho I've not tie dyed anything in my life

I've heard Dylon and Procian (sp?) work well, but is it safe to have next to babe's skin after?

Also, does it affect wash routine? For example, do you have to wash your other products (pockets, aio's, covers, etc) separately from then on? As you can see, I don't know the first thing about dyeing dipes. The last time I dyed any fabric was in high school and my 20 yr reunion is coming up , so it's been a while...

[judybean]

I love dying prefolds!!! I prefer to use procion dyes (I got mine from Dharma Trading Co) and they work FABULOUSLY! You can try various tie-dye techniques or use some low-water immersion dying (that's fun too! and quite fool-proof, imo!)...

As for a wash routine, I never changed mine. They were always washed with all the other diapers.. and even after YEARS of use, they're still going strong in color!

With procion dyes they are supposed to *become* part of the fiber, so that (in theory), they don't really fade...

So yes!! Dye away!! I've been doing a lot of tie-dying lately and it's been so fun!! And really, you can't REALLY screw it up because it's all just fun anyway!

[Cetan Luta]

As a previously proffessional tie-dyer, I highly reccomend Procion dyes from Dharma Trading Co. also. They are easy to work with, resist fading well (eerything fades eventually), and come in lots of fun colors, or mix well if you prefer to mix your own. Squirt bottles work best (with tips like cafeteria ketchup bottles) as they allow you to squirt bits of color between your folds with a minimum of unintentional mixing (re: fewer browns and cleaner patterns). Have Fun! WARNING Tie-dyeing can be highly addictive, and you may end up with an entire brightly colored wardrobe. LOL

[Cetan Luta]

PS almost forgot to mention, once fully washed, Procion should not cause any skin irritation (I've used lots on baby clothes). And is a low-impact dye, which means less waste than most, and relatively friendly to the environment.

[Adsullata]

Thank you! I found some websites with tie dyeing instructions- it does look addictive! I confess I've always wanted to try tie dying myself- my clothes that is, not actually me- he he! I'm going to go look up dharma trading co.

[judybean]

Originally Posted by Adsullata

Thank you! I found some websites with tie dyeing instructions- it does look addictive! I confess I've always wanted to try tie dying myself- my clothes that is, not actually me- he he! I'm going to go look up dharma trading co.

It's just dharmatrading.com I've had nothing but excellent experience with everything I've ordered from there!

If you want to start small and just test things out, their Teeny Tiny Tie-Dye Kit is PERFECT!

[Adsullata]

Wow, one month later already!? I'm posting to say a belated thanks so much for your help ladies. I haven't dyed any dipes yet, or even purchased the dye for that matter, because we're in the midst of some home improvements/restoration work. But, I will get around to it eventually and when I do, I promise to post some dyed dipey pics! Thanks again!