I think many get how to use Retayne and Synthropol confused.

Your advice on "how to" (and when to) is very helpful.

I would just test the fabric scraps...might not need to be washed...and if it does need washing..wait until the quilt is DONE and then wash with a couple of dye catchers..much easier...

I am with you!! The quilt is heavy dry so I don't know if I could even lift it wet!!! Thank you soooo much for checking on this aspect. Unfortunately all the friends I have with top-loading machines also all have high-efficiency machines as well. Guess I won't be using either of these! Just hope my multiple washes before starting the project will be sufficient.

wow, Retayne is usually done on fabrics to maintain the colors. Synthrapol is to lift excess colors and have them go away with the rinse water.
good luck.

That is why I prewash all my fabric. No surprises later.

Do the "dye catchers" have a name? Where do I find them?
Can they be used in a front load = HE washing machine?

I used one called Carbona. It is good for 30 washed and yes I used it in my front load HE washing machine.

I use the Shout dye catchers, which are one-time use. They come in a small box in the laundry area of Walmart, grocery store, etc. Here's a link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Shout-Color-Ca.../dp/B0000DIWJF

The box is only about 6x8 inches and 2 inches deep, so it can be easy to miss when you are looking up and down the laundry aisle. Once I fnally located them, they've been easy to find.

I just wanted to add that dye-catchers are not a total substitute for Synthrapol. The dye-catchers work fine when there isn't too much dye to be caught.

And yes, Skid, you can use the Shout dye catchers in a front-loader.

It is fine to use the Color Catchers more than once. Until they get really "dirty" with dye, I use them several times. Often they only get a pastel color...lay them out to dry (or in the dryer with the load of clothes) and just reuse them.