Name: Beth

Message: I have some pillow shams that are cream color and 100% cotton. Can I dye them a light to medium purple, and if so what should I use? Thank you for your time!

If they're washable, they should be dyeable. Wash them thoroughly before dyeing. If there is a stain-resistant or permanent-press finish, it will interfere with dyeing, but otherwise you'll probably be fine. 

The yellowish tint in the original cream color will make your purple a little bit duller and more muted, since yellow is the visual opposite of purple, but since it's pale it should work out okay, at least for medium to dark shades of purple.

I recommend that you use a cool water fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dyes. (See "About Fiber Reactive Dyes".) These dyes will give you vastly better results than all-purpose dyes such as Rit or Tintex, and they are easier to use since you don't have to heat the fabric in the water with the dye. You can buy Procion MX dye in the best local crafts stores and by mail-order; you can also look for Dylon Cold Water Dye, Dylon Permanent Dye, or Tulip One Step Fashion Dye, all of which contain good fiber reactive dyes. In the UK or Australia, look for Dylon Machine Dye.

For instructions, see those that come with the package of dye that you buy, or see my pages of instructions, including How to Hand Dye and Washing Machine Dyeing.

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