I agree with Candace my LQS instructor's get very upset if your coming to quilting class and your material is not pre-washed. I know there's been a number of discussions on here about whether or not people pre-wash their fabrics first. So I pre-wash all my fabrics even at that there's been times where people's colors have ran in a pre-wash.

First of all, what kind of machine did you use to wash your quilt? You are more likely to have this problem if it is a domestic front loader because they use very little water. This means that any dye that bleeds remains very concentrated.

You can remove the bleeds with Synthrapol. However, you need to use the Synthrapol with a lot of water (and the water needs to be hot). Synthrapol suspends unset dye particles in water so they are rinsed away instead of settling into fabric. This is why you need lots of water, to allow the dye particles to remain suspended. A large laundromat front-loader is a good choice for this. Ideally your first wash should have been done this way. Since dye has already settled into other fabrics, you might need more than one wash with Synthrapol to remove all of the bleeds. Usually, if you have not dried the quilt in a dryer, just one wash should do it.

Synthrapol is widely available in quilt shops that cater to dyers, and is also widely available online. Amazon has it.

A color catcher should solve your problem.

Thanks everyone. I used 2 color catchers in the first wash. I also washed it with Synthrapol. I have a top loader with an extra large tub, so I should be alright there. I will wash a couple more times with Synthrapol and Oxyclean and hope for the best. The red ran on a Bargello quilt. I'm just sick over it. Thanks again--I will try all your suggestions.
Sue

Red is always your enemy! I refuse to let red clothing come in the house any longer. Just not worth it. Just keep washing with the color catchers and synthrapol. DO NOT DRY it until you get all the dye out. I had this issue with a green fabric several years ago. It was pre-washed and still ran...and ran and ran and ran. I finally gifted the quilt with a box of color catchers and told them to never wash it without them!

Everyone already gave the suggestions I would have. So sorry this happened. Hope that something works.

Pat

Where does one get Synthapol?

I washed it again with hot water, oxyclean, and Synthapol and it looks a lot better. The quilt is for me, and I think it looks ok. I will put oxyclean in each time I wash it. I have already washed it 4 times. Lesson learned. I rarely use red, but I will be more careful next time. DonnaCee--you can get Synthapol at your LQS. Thanks everyone for your help. You're all the greatest.
Sue

Use Synthropol. I hand dye fabric and that is what is used in the final rinse. I buy mine at a local art supply store that also sells procion dye. Check you lqs and also JoAnn's. Sorry to hear about the problem.:( Now you know why I prewash material.

Synthrapol is also widely available online at places such as Amazon, Dharma Trading and Pro Chem.