How do I get the running colors out of my homemade cotton quilt?
20 years ago I made a machine sewn, cotton gingham patchwork quilt. For 10 years it lay in storage and then I started using it. I washed it occasionally with no problem. We have just moved to Minnesota and I have had to start washing it more (I have a baby...).
Anyway, I just started noticing that the darker colors seemed to be bleeding into the lighter colors. (Is that the soft water of Minnesota doing that?)
I don't believe it has gone through the dryer so the colors haven't been set that way. How do I stop (& hopefully reverse) the bleeding?
Sounds like a job for "color catchers"
http://www.shoutitout.com/preserve-colors.aspx
and/or a good looooong soak with Retayne:
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/2935174-AA.shtml
followed by a long wash with something like synthrapol.
I use Retayne for cottons, but I know a lot of quilters are happy with the color catchers.
Rewash it if its white wash it with bleach
u can never get reverse the bleeding, but u can stop it, by adding table salt to your washing and rinsing cycle..