You can dye any 100% cotton fabric with Procion MX dyes as long as the sizing or finish can be removed. If you buy some nice quality 100% white or unbleached cotton from a fabric shop, it's most likely fine to simply put it in the soda ash solution presoak and get the dyeing process started quicker.
Each sort of fabric will dye a bit differently. Remember if you switch to another type of cloth, you may have to adjust your recipe. Typically, thicker fabric uses more dye powder. Also, if you adore how a selected fabric dyes, buy lots! Different seasons will give you different products that are occasionally not the same. Some are similar but can produce dye results that are not the same.
What about PFD (prepared for dyeing fabric)?
I have had good results with PFD fabrics as well so I am often pleased with any white or unbleached 100% cotton fabric reserved for quilts.
Find the fabric that has the surface and weave that can work for your end projects. I use coarser weaves for those projects that won't get harder wear and firmer weaves for those fabrics that are actually going to be used and washed more frequently such as children's clothes so the fabric holds up better with the harder wear demands.
I really like to have a selection of tone on tone designs, stripes, floral patterns so the fabrics are shades of white. It is always interesting what the dye shading will be on those tone on tone fabrics and I enjoy the surprise.
Some of the fabric companies that sell the dyes also have fabrics they recommend so that's another place to have a look for your fabric decisions. Different weights can add variation to your finished dye projects. A pant weight and a top weight dyed with the exact same color can make a nice outfit.
Each sort of fabric will dye a bit differently. Remember if you switch to another type of cloth, you may have to adjust your recipe. Typically, thicker fabric uses more dye powder. Also, if you adore how a selected fabric dyes, buy lots! Different seasons will give you different products that are occasionally not the same. Some are similar but can produce dye results that are not the same.
What about PFD (prepared for dyeing fabric)?
I have had good results with PFD fabrics as well so I am often pleased with any white or unbleached 100% cotton fabric reserved for quilts.
Find the fabric that has the surface and weave that can work for your end projects. I use coarser weaves for those projects that won't get harder wear and firmer weaves for those fabrics that are actually going to be used and washed more frequently such as children's clothes so the fabric holds up better with the harder wear demands.
I really like to have a selection of tone on tone designs, stripes, floral patterns so the fabrics are shades of white. It is always interesting what the dye shading will be on those tone on tone fabrics and I enjoy the surprise.
Some of the fabric companies that sell the dyes also have fabrics they recommend so that's another place to have a look for your fabric decisions. Different weights can add variation to your finished dye projects. A pant weight and a top weight dyed with the exact same color can make a nice outfit.
About the Author:
Marjorie is a clothing designer who specializes in creating recipes for and in dyeing fabrics for her lines of ready-to-wear. She dyes fabric for quilted garments regular garments and rag woven garments. She is an expert in how to dye cotton fabric.