dee1245

I have used a product called "Retayne" to set the dye before I use the fabric. It seems to do the job of holding the color in the fabric. I still use Color Catchers to be sure of no bleeding.

1screech

I never wash fabrics prior to stitching. I do use the color catchers and so far never had an issue. I know it is a risk..so far so good.

Weenween

I think it would I have used them for years for my living room curtains cream with burgundy lace.I have to use them all the time on them and never had a problem with them they are a great products.

fangman

Color catchers work well for me, and they can be used more than once.

sewnsewer2

It works great on EVERYTHING !!

sharin'Sharon

Directions on the Retayne bottle says to use HOT water, when prewashing. What temp of water did you use? I'm going to be making a batik quilt (10 purples, 10 greens and a lite mauve background) and the directions that came along with the kit, says to NOT prewash the fabrics and to use SHOUT color catchers in the wash when the quilt is finished. I've ALWAYS used RETAYNE to prewash quilt fabric, so this is a new ballgame for me. Glad I found this thread.

caspharm

I use them on my finished batik quilts all the time. I do not prewash my fabrics.

kwiltkrazy

I use them all the time on batiks, they work great, I have never had the color carry over on to the fabric, I'll give them five thumbs up.

bjchad

I just found out the blue Dawn dish stuff is a surfactant like synthrapol and is much cheaper and easier to find. I haven't tried it yet but plan to next time I do dying. But only the blue version.

janeknapp

Pennyhal, these are the instructions for Synthrapol:

Synthrapol

• Will remove excess dye from hand dyed fabrics.
• Will remove sizing from fabric before dyeing.
• Use in the dye bath for even color.
• A concentrated wetting agent, known as a surfactant.

When to use Synthrapol

• To wash hand dyed fabrics before using them in a garment or quilt.
• When fabric is already quilted and bleeds into adjacent fabric.
• To soak fabric before dyeing.

How to wash hand dyed fabric with Synthrapol
Washing machine
1. Fill your washing machine with 140°F (60°C) water. Boil water on the stove and add it to the washing machine if your hot tap water is not hot enough.
2. Once the washing machine is filled, add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of Synthrapol. This is just enough to form ¼" of suds in the machine.
3. Add your dry cotton fabric and let the machine run for a 10 to 12 minute wash. Let the machine run through the complete cycle with a warm rinse, then dry.

Hand wash
1. Use the sink, a plastic tub, or an old enamel canning kettle this is not used for food preparation. Heat the water to 140°F (60°C).
2. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Synthrapol per gallon of water.
3. Add dry hand dyed fabric. Swish your fabric around in the hot Synthrapol bath for 5 to 10 minutes with a spoon or wooden dowel. Rinse well in warm water and dry.

Synthrapol soak before dyeing
1. Fill a plastic bucket with enough hot water to cover your fabric.
2. Add ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of Synthrapol per gallon of water.

3. Add your cotton fabric and swish it around for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess water from your fabric before adding it to the dye bath. How to care for hand dyed fabric Launder hand dyed fabric in warm water with a cold rinse. Do not wash it in hot water.