DellaJane Hand Dyes: The Process

DellaJane Hand Dyes begin with a high quality white cotton fabric as our "greige goods". "We" (the royal WE) dye Kona cotton and overdye a variety of commercial prints. We cut generous 1 yd lengths so that you end up with a full yard of fabric in spite of the fraying which occurs during the dyeing process. We scour the fabric to remove surface dirt and any manufacturing residue.

DellaJane Hand dyes are dyed using Procion MX dyes. Dye application, container used, fabric manipulation and other variations in the dyeing process differ, based on the result we want. After waiting overnight for maximum dye reaction, the fabric is rinsed, rinsed, and rinsed again! We rinse it until all excess dye is removed and the rinse water is clear. The fabric is washed in HOT water with Synthrapol (TM) , then dried in a HOT dryer. This insures that the fabric is colorfast and pre-shrunk. DellaJane Hand Dyes are ready to use - NO pre-washing or pre-shrinking treatment necessary!

Each piece of DellaJane Hand Dyed fabric is "signed" with a number which identifies the recipe used to dye the fabric. The same recipe will produce different results on different days. Even if we dye using the same "recipe", we will get different color patterns and shading. Our numbers allow us to make sure that your purchase of multiple pieces of a color come from a single dye lot. If you want to purchase a matching 2nd piece later, we will know if we can provide something from the same dye lot.

We are always willing to Custom Dye to produce something similar to a piece you purchased earlier or dye a special piece just for you.

Email Alice if you have questions or problems with your DellaJane Hand Dyed fabrics.