How to stop bleeding red fabric
#1
I purchased 6 yards of solid red Kona cotton. I prewashed it and it bled terribly. I continued the washings with a dye catcher, in fact, I think I must have washed it at least six times now and the dye cloth still is coming out bright pink. I need to use this fabric to make a flag quilt for a soldier who is coming home from Iraq later this summer. I tried adding white vinegar to the last two loads, but it is still bleeding. Is there a remedy for this? I apologize if someone has asked this question before...I am sure it has already been discussed.
Thanks a bunch.
Nancy
www.quiltflower.blogspot.com
Thanks a bunch.
Nancy
www.quiltflower.blogspot.com
#3
Fill your washing machine with the hottest water available and then let you fabric soak over night. Add a strong detergent and if there is any colour left it in the fabric it SHOULD be colourfast.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Central PA
Posts: 5,573
I am not an expert by any means, but there is a product called Retayne that you add to the wash that is supposed to fix the color. Maybe this would work for you. I got it at my LQS but it is available online also.
Good luck.
Good luck.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,481
Kona is generally well behaved. Try returning it to the store (with the sales slip).
I would consider it defective. If the store won't refund your money, try contacting Kona.
At any rate, don't use it if you can't get it to stop bleeding.
I have come across a very few fabrics that simply won't quit losing dye. Which is why I'm a member of the wash-before-cutting group.
I would consider it defective. If the store won't refund your money, try contacting Kona.
At any rate, don't use it if you can't get it to stop bleeding.
I have come across a very few fabrics that simply won't quit losing dye. Which is why I'm a member of the wash-before-cutting group.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,502
Don't have any other advice but I have about 6 yards of fabric for the back of my daughter's quilt that is BRIGHT red with BRIGHT white apples on it. I haven't washed it yet and I'm afraid to. I got dye catchers but still afraid that the apples are going to turn pink (and she hates pink/flowery/girly stuff).
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,481
Originally Posted by pittsburgpam
Don't have any other advice but I have about 6 yards of fabric for the back of my daughter's quilt that is BRIGHT red with BRIGHT white apples on it. I haven't washed it yet and I'm afraid to. I got dye catchers but still afraid that the apples are going to turn pink (and she hates pink/flowery/girly stuff).
Off hand, I can't think of any color that has been completely immune from bleeding - other than white and pale cream.
I would be more willing to have a disaster with that fabric at this stage of the process than after it has been incorporated into the quilt.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Use Retayne. It should set the dye. Quilt shops that cater to dyers carry it; otherwise it is widely available online. Amazon has it:
http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Retayne-.../dp/B001HZOZGW
http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Retayne-.../dp/B001HZOZGW
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