Jacquard Procion Dyes

For one pound dry weight of fabric or fiber (3 to 6 square yards of fabric or 3 T-shirts)

Materials:

	3 gallons of warm water (105° F)
	Procion® MX dye (see below)
	1 1/2 to 3 cups of salt (non-iodized)
	1/4 to 1/3 cup of soda ash
	Synthrapol for rinsing
	Two methods of dyeing follow:

Two methods of dyeing follow:

Method One:

Be sure to wash fabric to remove any dirt, grease or sizing. We suggest using Synthrapol.
Fill container (such as a 5 gallon plastic bucket) with 3 gallons of hot (105° F) tap water, add salt and dye in proportions listed in the general dye amounts below.
Add the fabric or fiber.
Stir frequently for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove or lift up the fabric.
Add the soda ash. It helps to dissolve the soda ash in a separate container in a little hot water first. Stir into dyebath.
Put the fabric back into dyebath and stir frequently for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the depth of intensity desired.

Method Two:

Fill container with 3 gallons of hot (105° F) tap water, add dye and stir.
Add the fabric or fiber.
Add the salt in 3 equal parts at 5 minute intervals. If dyeing a deep shade of blue or a full black, use twice the amount of salt, adding it in 2 equal parts at 15 minute intervals while still stirring the dyebath frequently.
Add the soda ash in 2 equal parts at 15 minute intervals while still stirring the dyebath frequently.
Dye for 30 to 60 minutes after the last soda addition.

General amounts for dyeing per 3 gallons of water and one pound of fabric:

	For very pale shades: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dye, 1 1/2 cups salt, 1/4 cup soda ash
	For light shades: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dye, 1 1/2 cups salt, 1/4 cup soda ash
	For medium shades, most colors: 1 tablespoon dye, 1 1/2 cups salt, 1/4 cup soda ash
	For darker shades: 2 tablespoons dye, 2 cups salt, 1/4 cup soda ash
	For darkest shades: 4 tablespoons dye, 3 cups salt, 1/3 cup soda ash

Washing Machine Dyeing for Cellulose Fibers

For 3 to 5 pounds of fabric (5 to 7 yards of fabric or 8 to 10 T-shirts)

Materials:

	Standard top-loading washing machine
	6 to 8 cups salt (non-iodized)
	Procion® MX dye (double the amounts for Immersion dyeing, page 2)
	2 cups soda ash (3 cups for darder shades)
	2 tablespoons Synthrapol

Wash fabric to remove dirt, grease and sizing with Synthrapol.
Fill washing machine to medium load (approx. 6 to 8 gallons) with hot water. Add salt and dye, and agitate for 5 minutes, until both are dissolved.
Place wet fabric in machine and agitate for 20 minutes. (The wash cycle needs to be extended, without the dye being drained or more water added, by turning the machine off and resetting at beginning of wash cycle.)
In a separate container dissolve soda ash in 1 quart hot water. Gradually add to dyebath in 3 parts at 5 minute intervals, being careful not to pour directly onto fabric.
Agitate for 50 minutes (30 minutes for pastels).
Let machine drain the dyebath and complete the rinse cycle. To remove any remaining dye, run through a complete wash cycle with hot water and Synthrapol.

General Tie-Dye Instructions with

Soda Soak Method

Prewash fabric.
Soak fabric in a mixture of 1 cup Soda Ash per 1 gallon of water for 20 minutes. Be sure the soda ash is thoroughly dissolved. Then squeeze out by hand.
Fold and tie fabric.
In 1 cup of tap water, mix 2 or more teaspoons of dye. Apply the dye to the fabric using a squirt bottle, paint brush, or sponge. Apply as many colors as you like. Do not oversaturate the fabric with dye or all your colors will run together.
Cover fabric with plastic wrap or in a plastic bag and let stand for at least 12 hours, but preferably 24.
Rinse as usual.

Activated Dye Method with Jacquard Procion Dyes

Activating the Procion MX dye with Soda Ash shortens the tie-dye process and gives a different look.

Mix dye with water (as above).
Add 8 teaspoons of soda ash per cup of dye. Stir well. Activated dye will remain usable for 4 hours. Mix in small quantities.
Fold and tightly bind shirt or fabric. Immerse briefly in warm water. Wring out excess water. Place on a plate to catch excess dye.
Apply dye to both sides of the fabric bundle.
Seal dyed shirt in a plastic bag. Allow to sit for at least 12, but preferably 24 hours.
Rinse as usual.

Hints on Folding and Binding

	Always fold on a clean, flat surface.
	When folding or bunching, expose as much fabric as possible.
	Make small folds rather than large folds.
	Use string, rubber fands or narrow elastic for resists. Bind tightly.

Accordian, Horizontal, Diagonal, or Vertical Fold: Pleat fabric in 1” or smaller folds. Bind. This will make parallel lines of the dye if applied on the folded edges.

Spiral: With the fabric lying flat, select a point and twist that point, spiraling the fabric around that point to make a bundly that looks like a cinnamon roll. Dye applied in pie-shaped wedges will spiral when the fabric is opened.

Circles: Select a point, lift the fabric by that point. Smooth the fabric to make a cone. Bind along the cone. Dye applied in horizontal bands between the binding will make concentric circles.

Dots: Select a point lift the fabric by that point, bind close to the point. Select other points and bind. Dye applies to the points will make dots of color. The binding will keep the dye from making large spots.

Safety Considerations

	Always wear rubber gloves.
	Wear a NIOSH/MSHA dust mask or respirator when working with dry powders. Inhaling the dye powder or soda ash in large quantities may cause serious health problems.
	Use measuring cups, spoons, and utensils for dyeing only. Don’t mix with kitchen utensils.

Hints & Suggestions for Dyeing with Jacquard Coldwater Dyes (Procion)

	Dye spilled on surfaces can be cleaned with bleach or household cleansers.
	Use a hand cleaner, such as Reduran to remove dye from skin. Do not use bleach since it dissolves protein (like your skin!).
	For an even take-up of dye in immersion dyeing, soak the fiber in clear water for at least 15 minutes to wet completely. If the fiber has been washed, do not dry, move directly to dyeing.
	Synthrapol is a more effective washing agent than regular soap, especially when turquoise, fuchsia and any color mixes containing these dye colors are used. These colors require increased time and care in washing out the excess dye. Often several hot soap soaks are necessary.
	Mix powdered dye with a small amount of water to form a paste when dissolving. After all lumps are remove, gradually add more water until the dye is thoroughly dissolved. For quicker pasting, add 2 drops of Synthrapol before adding the water.
	Dye colors may vary in volume due to the nature that some dyestuffs are dense and others are fluffy. Therefore, some dye colors will be more concentrated if measureing by teaspoons.
	Altitude, water quality (mineral or chloring content), humidity, dyebath temperature, brand and purity of vinegar and/or Soda Ash can all influence the dye process. Perfume, whiteners and brighteners in household detergents and soaps can totally change the dye color. Two seemingly identical runs can have quite different results if any of these variables change.

Rinsing Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes

Wearing gloves, rinse the dyed fiber first with cool water, then with increasingly warmer water.
After 3 or 4 rinses, when the water is nearly clear, prepare a soap soak. Use 2 to 3 gallons of very hot tap water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of Synthrapol. The fiber should sit in this soap bath for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse 3 or 4 additional times with warm water.

For wool or other fibers that may felt, keep the temperature of the water nearly the same in each rinse as well as the soap soak.

Procion MX Color Mixing Chart

An unlimited color palette can be mixed with Procion MX fiber reactive dyes. Measured quantities of specific colors yield predictable new colors. These color formulas or recipes are suggestions for color.

The variables of fiber type and processing, water purity, temperature and freshness of chemical assistants can dramatically vary the dyed results. Always run dye tests, observe and record results before any major dye run.

The following color recipes are shown in two measurements—teaspoons and parts. The teaspoon measurements are for one pound of fiber. For convenience you can use the parts measurements to mix other quantities of dye. Reduce or expand the recipe proportionally to match the weight of the fiber.

Desired Color	Mix	Teaspoons	Parts
Daffodil	004 Lemon Yellow 010 Bright Golden Yellow	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Goldenrod	004 Lemon Yellow 020 Brilliant Orange	4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	16 parts 1 part
Wheat	010 Bright Golden Yellow 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/8 tsp.	18 parts 1 part
Pea Green	010 Bright Golden Yellow 072 Medium Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Apricot	010 Bright Golden Yellow 020 Brilliant Orange	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Peach	016 Rust Orange	1 1/2 tsp.	6 parts
Harvest Orange	010 Bright Golden Yellow 020 Brilliant Orange 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1 1/8 tsp. 1/8 tsp.	18 parts 9 parts 1 part
Salmon	020 Brilliant Orange 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/8 tsp.	18 parts 1 part
Tangerine	010 Bright Golden Yellow 030 Fire Engine Red	2 3/4 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	11 parts 6 parts
Red Orange	010 Bright Golden Yellow 032 Carmine Red	2 3/4 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	11 parts 6 parts
Coral	030 Fire Engine Red 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/16 tsp.	9 parts tone with
Antique Rose	030 Fire Engine Red 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Rose	032 Carmine Red 010 Bright Golden Yellow	2 3/4 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	11 parts 6 parts
Burnt Orange	010 Bright Golden Yellow 030 Fire Engine Red 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 9 parts 1 part
Chinese Red	032 Carmine Red 010 Bright Golden Yellow	4 1/2 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Bubble Gum Pink	040 Fuchsia	2 1/4 tsp.	1 part
Dark Pink	034 Magenta 072 Medium Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Hot Pink	040 Fuchsia	3 tsp.	1 part
Mauve	126 Brown Rose	1 1/2 tsp.	6 parts
Berry Sorbet	040 Fuchsia 068 Turquoise 128 Warm Black	1 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	6 parts 3 parts 1 part
Orchid	040 Fuchsia 068 Turquoise	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Plum	040 Fuchsia 072 Medium Blue	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Deep Purple	040 Fuchsia 070 Cerulean Blue	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Lavender	072 Medium Blue 030 Fire Engine Red	2 1/4 tsp. 1 tsp.	9 parts 4 parts
Amethyst	034 Magenta 070 Cerulean Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Maroon	032 Carmine Red 078 Navy	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Purple Violet	040 Fuchsia 070 Cerulean Blue	4 1/2 tsp. 4 1/2 tsp.	9 parts 9 parts
Blue Violet	078 Navy 032 Carmine Red	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Red Violet	078 Navy 040 Fuchsia 076 Cobalt Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part 1 part
Pansy Purple	078 Navy 040 Fuchsia	2 1/4 tsp. 1 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 5 parts
Periwinkle	078 Navy 040 Fuchsia 076 Cobalt Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 tsp.	9 parts 4 parts 4 parts
Sapphire Blue	040 Fuchsia 078 Navy	2 1/2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Ultramarine	126 Brown Rose 078 Navy	2 1/2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Heritage Blue	072 Medium Blue 128 Warm Black	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Powder Blue	078 Navy 128 Warm Black	1 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
French Blue	076 Cobalt Blue 128 Warm Black	1 1/2 tsp. 1/8 tsp.	12 parts 1 part
Sky Blue	072 Medium Blue 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Mountain	070 Cerulean Blue 128 Warm Black	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Chicory Blue	072 Medium Blue 078 Navy	1 1/2 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Postman Blue	076 Cobalt Blue 078 Navy	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Prussian Blue	070 Cerulean Blue 078 Navy	5 tsp. 5 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Confederate Blue	068 Turquoise 020 Brilliant Orange	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
Sea Foam	070 Cerulean Blue 016 Rust Orange	1 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	4 parts 1 part
Blue Mist	068 Turquoise 016 Rust Orange	2 1/4 tsp. 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 1 part
New Aqua	068 Turquoise 004 Lemon Yellow 128 Warm Black	2 1/2 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 1/2 tsp.	5 parts 1 part 1 part
Blue Spruce	004 Lemon Yellow 076 Cobalt Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Teal	078 Navy 004 Lemon Yellow	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Jade	004 Lemon Yellow 070 Cerulean Blue 072 Medium Blue	4 1/2 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	9 parts 5 parts 5 parts
Yellow Green	004 Lemon Yellow 072 Medium Blue	2 1/4 tsp. 1/8 tsp.	18 parts 1 part
Chartreuse	004 Lemon Yellow 072 Medium Blue	4 tsp. 1/16 tsp.	64 parts 1 part
Vermillion Green	068 Turquoise 010 Bright Golden Yellow	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Lime Green	004 Lemon Yellow 068 Turquoise	2 3/4 tsp. 1 1/8 tsp.	22 parts 9 parts
Spring Green	004 Lemon Yellow 068 Turquoise 072 Medium Blue	6 1/2 tsp. 5 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	13 parts 10 parts 3 parts
Shamrock	004 Lemon Yellow 068 Turquoise 072 Medium Blue	5 tsp. 5 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	20 parts 20 parts 9 parts
Fern Green	004 Lemon Yellow 076 Cobalt Blue	2 3/4 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	11 parts 6 parts
Sage	016 Rust Orange 070 Cerulean Blue	1 1/2 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Fatique Green	016 Rust Orange 070 Cerulean Blue	4 tsp. 4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Avocado	004 Lemon Yellow 078 Navy	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Artichoke	016 Rust Orange 068 Turquoise	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Khaki	016 Rust Orange 068 Turquoise	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Desert Green	016 Rust Orange 072 Medium Blue	1 1/2 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Olive	016 Rust Orange 072 Medium Blue	4 tsp. 4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Brown Sienna	004 Lemon Yellow 072 Medium Blue 020 Brilliant Orange	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part 1 part
Pottery	016 Rust Orange 126 Brown Rose	3 1/2 tsp. 1 1/8 tsp.	28 parts 9 parts
Terra Cotta	016 Rust Orange 124 Burgundy	3 1/2 tsp. 1 1/8 tsp.	28 parts 9 parts
Flesh	016 Rust Orange 124 Burgundy	1/2 tsp. 1/2 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Red Earth	126 Brown Rose 128 Warm Black 020 Brilliant Orange	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part 1 part
Indian Red	124 Burgundy 030 Fire Engine Red	2 1/4 tsp. 2 1/4 tsp.	1 part 1 part
Cerise	032 Carmine Red 072 Medium Blue	3 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp.	2 parts 1 part
Dark Gray	150 Jet Black	12 tsp.	1 part
Charcoal	150 Jet Black	24 tsp.	1 part

Materials:

3 gallons of warm water (105° F)

Method One:

Method Two:

Washing Machine Dyeing for Cellulose Fibers

Materials:

General Tie-Dye Instructions with