Vat Dyeing Using Procion MX

by Julie ++++++, Crazy Cat Fiber Arts

Here is the Recipe:

You can use more water for your dyeing process. It will make your dye color attach to the fibers more evenly. If you choose to use more water, increase the soda ash and salt in the same proportion. Soda ash and salt varies according to the amount of water, NOT according to the dry weight of the fibers.

Black shades require extra salt, so double the amount of salt for black.

Turquoise will dye stronger if you use Glauber's salt instead of regular salt.

Here is the dyeing procedure:

Wash the yarn or fabric using synthrapol.
Measure desired amount of water into a bucket. Water temp should be about 105F for most dyes, 120-135F for Turquoise and black.
Dissolve the salt in the water, then stir in calsolene oil.
Add dye to water, stir.
Add fabric or yarn and stir constantly (or at least every 3 minutes) for 20 minutes.
Dissolve soda ash in a small amount of hot water and add gradually to the dye bath over the next 15 minutes. Do not pour directly on the fabric or yarn.
Stir frequently for another 30 minutes for light colors, or 1 hour for dark colors.
Remove fibers from dyebath and rinse well.
Wash using hot water and synthrapol.
You're done!

Washing machine dyeing--Procion MX dyes can also be used with the washing machine. I have found that this produces the most even dyeing results, but it also uses a lot of dye. You can dye up to 8 pounds of fiber in the machine.

Use about 20 gallons of water, 20 cups of plain salt, 2 1/2 cups of soda ash, the correct amount of dye, and 2 Tblsp of Calsolene oil.

Follow the same steps as you would when dyeing in a bucket. Instead of stirring by hand, keep resetting the machine to the wash cycle before it gets to the drain and rinse. Watch the machine carefully to make sure it doesn't drain away your dye before you're ready!