II. Natural Dyeing Adventure

Scouring Fibers and Fabric
Someone in one of my Facebook groups pointed out that back in the day fabric didn’t contain all of the additives that go into manufacturing today’s fabric. This is where scouring comes in. Love that new fabric feel? It probably comes from additives. So before natural fabrics can accept plant dyes they need to be scoured. This is also true of recycled fabrics and garments.
Scouring is the process of removing additives, grease, dust and grime. This is the first step in preparing fabric for dyeing. It is recommended for both synthetic and natural dyeing.
Scouring is basically a long wash with synthrapol or Dawn, and washing soda in the hottest water possible without damaging the fabric. Amazing all of the junk that comes off the fabric and discolors the washing water. I boil the fabric with synthrapol for an hour first, and then send through a hot machine wash cycle with washing soda. I must admit that Dawn scares me.
Don’t be fooled by recycled sheets. Bleach is the gift that keeps on giving. That beautifully worn sheet set you scored a bargain on at the thrift store may really need scouring. The retained bleach can ruin your color scheme.
Kimberly Baxter Packwood published an excellent post on scouring in 2001 on her blog. The information is still relevant. No point in reinventing already perfectly good wheel. Go here to review it.


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