Does Rit dye change the quality of "tencel" fabric?

Question

My 100% tencel shirt was soft and thin before I dyed it; now it's course and thick, like it's a totally different kind of material...? I've successfully dyed a couple other shirts that have remained soft, but they were both 100% cotton. Will a single wash help? (seems like even my cotton shirts were a little course at first and softened when washed). Or have I ruined my shirt? Thanks!

Answer 1

Tencel is better dyed with a cool water dye, such as Procion MX dye (the dye that's used in all of the good tie-dye kits). Heating is not a great thing to do to Tencel, but Rit dye does not work in cool water. Treat Tencel very gently when it is wet, because, in my experience, it is more prone to wear when it's wet than when it's dry.

You might be able to restore the hand of your Tencel if you acquire some professional dyer's fabric softener. This extra-strength product is unscented and free of other unwanted additives, unlike the much weaker form of fabric softener sold in grocery stores. You cannot buy it in local shops. You can mail-order it as PROsoft K from PRO Chemical & Dye in Massachusetts, or as Milsoft from Dharma Trading Company in California.

In the future, do not use Rit dye on cotton, Tencel, or any other cellulose-type fiber. The results are poor, because the dye fades very quickly, and it bleeds in the laundry to ruin your other clothing. Instead, buy a good fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dye, by mail-order. It is easy to use because it does not require hot water, only washing soda, and it lasts a hundred times longer than an all-purpose dye such as Rit.

Answer 2

I agree with Paula on the Procion dyes.

Tensel fabrics must be treated much as silks are treated. They are a more delicate fiber.