Calico dyeing

[Seahorse]

Im thinking of making tote bags(hopefully nice n easy)

Any idea which dye is best to use?

[the felt fairy]

Ive dyed calico many times and cold water dyes give very good results if you dont mind mess and steeping fabric in buckets for hours etc.

Machine dyes are great as they are really quick and easy. I do run my machine with a load of old towels on a hot wash afterwards just to be on the safe side, and I havnt had any problems with multi coloured washing after using one.

One thing I would suggest is to wash to calico before dying as it quite often comes with a protective coating that stops the dye absorbing.

Have fun!

[Seahorse]

Thanks, its gona have to be a cold water dye.Dont think mum will be happy me using the washing machine.

Yep, think ive read that it has to be washed beforehand.

Thanks.

[Jane_Russell]

Mums are always worth asking ;) You might be surprised -- especially if you point out that a bucket, however careful you are can get kicked over!

Jane