bearisgray

Hmm. - I have found that most of the reds i have in my stash (literally hundreds of different pieces) did NOT bleed when they were put in hot water and washed.

HOWEVER, a very few did - and I am still unable to tell just by looking - or by the brand- which ones would.

I have also had at least one bleeder from each color group - blue, black, brown, orange, purple, turquoise, green, and yellow.

I am still of the mind that commercially dyed fabrics should need no further processing to set the dyes.

Ariannaquilts

I have been using Kona cottons in reds for quite some time and have never washed any of my fabrics in hot water, I have either been blessed or lucky which ever you prefer not one time has it bled.

kzimmer

Has anyone used vinegar to set colors? My girlfriend, who does a lot of quilting, told me to rinse/soak red fabric in a large wash basin of hot water with approximately 2 or more cups of vinegar and then wash the fabric in the washing machine.

charlottequilts

I have never had trouble with Shadow Play from Maywood or any other reds, and my last quilt was loaded with them.

The worst offender I ever had was a group of loud blues and greens by Patrick Lose from Timeless Treasures. I called them in NY to complain about it and they said something on the order of "oh well, we just make the fabrics, and what you do with it is not our concern." I never bought one of theirs again.

Charlotte

ckcowl

I've bought the Ritt Dye fixative in Walmart, grocery/ laundry section, with their Ritt dyes.

tessagin

I wash in hot water and little bit of Dawn (about a Tbsp) and laundry detergent with color catchers and a cotton terry cloth towel. The color catchers and towel help a lot. I check the fabric before throwing into the dryer. I try not to pair up the bleeding colors with lighter colors. But have to be careful with them all. Even the yellows will bleed.

MaryAnnMc

I knew y'all would be flu of great advice! So, I guess I'll have to buy a few reds and test them. I don't know how well color catchers work in front-loading machines, which is what my friend will be using. I don't want to give her a quilt she'll ruin, she'd feel awful.

SittingPretty

I just washed some black fabric with color catchers, and sure enough, it bled. (Figured it would.) I soaked the 3 yds in hot water with 3 tsp. per Retayne, per instructions. Let it sit about an hour, washed it again and no more bleeding on the color catcher. Retayne is wonderful!

cabbagepatchkid

Does Retayne work forever or just until the next washing?

I've used a solid red fabric, that didn't run, but I bought it many years ago from my LQS. I also have lots of red scraps that don't run anymore. I always wash my fabrics before I use them.

QuiltE

Forever, so long as you follow the label instructions.
I would still use Colour Catchers in the wash, as added insurance!