Although every effort is made to make threads colorfast, no manufacturer guarantees that the color won't "run." As dyeing by-products and waste can have a negative impact on the environment, Congress enacted laws which, down the line, caused manufacturers to change their dye processes. To stitchers, this means threads which once were essentially colorfast are not anymore.

Therefore, is it necessary to "set" the dye on floss before using it? Is just rinsing it of extra dye a feasible alternative?

Pre-Rinsing Floss

If you are making a piece that will be washed because of its use, you may want to pre-rinse (and let dry) any dark colors you are using (666, 550, 500, 310, etc.). Two benefits:

• Excess dye is removed from the "surface" of the thread so that if you must rip, you will not leave a dye "trail." (If this happens, wash your piece.)
• Excess dye is removed so the first wash is not as time-consuming, with all those colors swirling around in the rinse water. (In solution, the dyes will not hurt the rest of your piece; the problem comes if they are allowed to dry. Thorough rinsing is a must, and this takes time.)

To rinse:

• Pull off labels. Set aside in some sequence if you don't recognize the floss colors by sight. Since you'll use paper towels (see below), you also could use a pencil and write the color number along the edge somewhere and put each skein on its own towel.
• Take two (plastic preferred) twist-ties and fasten the skein at opposite ends so it stays in a loop.
• Soak in tepid water, changing until water is clear. The skein will be difficult to handle while wet; be careful you don't snarl it. Don't swish it around, for example!
• Drain on a white paper towel. If you see any color bleeding out, you didn't rinse long enough.
• Remove twist ties.
• Dry thoroughly before using.

Setting Dyes

There are several "old stitchers' tales" floating around, such as "soak in salt water" and "soak in vinegar water" to set the dye.

I believe this is risky business. Because you don't know what mordant was used in the dye process, you run the risk of damaging your floss.

I would rinse if I thought the floss would leave tracks. Otherwise, I'd do nothing.

After you stitch you piece, you will want to wash it to remove accumulated soil, excess dye from non-dark colors, and so on. The above-referenced file discusses this.

copyright 1999, Martha Beth Lewis
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