Adding Soda Ash to Premixed Dye

[ktaltre]

You don't need to soda ash soak your fabric if you add the soda ash to the dye. M. Fowler tie dyes this way, but the life of the dye mix is short - some say 4 hours, but I think it's less, maybe a couple of hours.
I just use synthrapol and hot water as a prewash. I have occasionally used soda ash in the prewash, but it was for strange/iffy fabric.
k. taltre

[Marg]

HI- I have never soaked any fabric in a soda ash solution. I have always added the soda ash directly to the dye + chem water solution. Also, I use soda ash and synthropol in the pre-washing/scour of new fabric. Peace-Marg

[Jeau]

Hi Lelia--I prefer to soak my fabrics in soda ash first, at least most of the time.  The dampness acts as a resist, and the pre-soak restricts the amount of leveling, thus allowing for greater sharpness and contrast.  But there is no "right" way...I suggest you try creating the same design on three different scraps of fabric.  Do one that is pre-soaked, one with fixer water poured over the fabric after the dye is added, and one with fixer directly in the dye.  This way you'll get a feel for the differences and see which you prefer.