Name: Nixie
Message: Can I dye sheets that are 90-95% cotton and 5-10% polyester?

Yes, this will work fine. The polyester threads will not dye (they will stay white), but the cotton will dye nicely. Results are bright on fabric that is at least 80% cotton. You can get only pastels by dyeing 50% cotton 50% polyester. It is best to avoid dyeing blends that contain less than 50% cotton.

For good results, use a cool water fiber reactive dye such as Procion MX dye - do NOT use all-purpose dye! For a list of different companies around the world from which you can mail-order Procion MX dye, see "Sources for Dyeing Supplies" at http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/dyesources.shtm .

It is very important to avoid buying sheets treated with stain-resistant treatments, because they will resist dye as well. Prewash the sheets in the hottest possible water twice, using detergent and extra soda ash to help remove fabric treatments. (This soda ash will wash out in the rinse and will NOT substitute for the soda ash that you use in a later step to fix the dye.)

For a single solid color, follow instructions found on the "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?" page, at http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/washingmachine.shtml. For more interesting mottled effects and combinations of color, and an even easier method, try low water immersion dyeing; see http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/lowwaterimmersion.shtml. Sheets can also be tie-dyed to excellent effect; see "How to Tie Dye - Complete Instructions", at http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/howtotiedye.shtml.

(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)