D2 writes:
<<If the dye colors bleed, won't it just wash out/off, since it hasn't
gone through the dyeing process?>>
Dyeing is the process of the dye pigment chemically
bonding--reacting--with the wool or other fiber. What we do with hot
water, acid, alkali, or other mordants, just speeds that reaction, so
that more of the dye will react with more of the fiber.
The reaction can sometimes occur without the mordant. Washing things in
hot water can be enough for some dye washing out of one part of the
fiber to react with another part.
I had an unpleasant example of this using commercial yarn. I have lots
of handknit socks. I washed about 6 pair in my sink one time, with a
little dish detergent. I was interrupted, and left them soaking. When
I came back, one pair had permanently stained (dyed) all the others in
irregular splotches. They're now house- and barn-socks <sigh> And
these were socks that had been washed several times before.
If you're going to have light colors with dark colors, MAKE SURE the
dark is VERY thoroughly rinsed before the first time you wash the
finished project :) And I now wash my socks one pair at a time.
Holly
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