Many times people are asking me about the chemicals I use to make tie dyes. I for the most part use the same brand each time. I'm comfortable with the products and the method for ordering them on-line. Use the same formula to mix the dyes each time. I use Procion MX with Urea and presoak the cotton in soda ash. I discuss the exact formula in more detail in the Tie Dye Crash Course.
Many people want to know if they can skip chemicals and still have their tie dyes work. Some also want to use different chemicals in place of the recommended ones. This is all up to them. I don't have any answers for them. I have a formula I use and that's it. I stick to the chemicals and the amounts. So I'm recommending if you are confused by reading forums and posts around the internet, you might just start by using a tie dye kit.
The tie dye kits make the experience a much better one when you're not sure about mixing they dyes and doing all the manual mixing. The kits come with some basic instructions you can use to get started. My video, the tie dye crash course, will be useful in your new adventure. The video will teach you about the chemicals, but with a kit this info is more for your use later. The video also covers the concepts around folding, tying, and coloring the cotton.
If you are considering giving tie dye a try, I suggest you buy a tie dye kit to get started.
Good luck and have a blast!
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