Probably the most confusing thing to me when I started hand dyeing was figuring out what supplies I really needed and what was icing on the cake!
The supplies listed below are the ones you need for just about every dyeing project. If something is nice but not a "must have", I've noted that. If a supply is only used rarely, I've listed it in the lesson where it's used.
I buy my dyeing supplies from Dharma Trading Company. No affiliation, and this is not an advertisement, but I've had good luck with them. All the product names below are the ones on Dharma's packaging; your supplier might have the same thing under a different name. Please ask them if it's the same -- they should know.
Other people have recommended the following companies. I have
no experience with them, so you're on your own:
Pro Chemical (US)
Kemtex (UK)
Procion MX dye - recommended starter colors are Lemon Yellow, Turquoise, and Fuscia. Black and Golden Brown are good additions. Dye goes far and has a shelf life, so get the smallest size.
Soda Ash - this makes the dye permanent. The one pound size will get you through all these lessons and then some. After you get hooked on dyeing, you'll want the 5 or 10 pound size. Some people purchase this a swimming pool supply houses, but I've found even with shipping it's cheaper to buy it from my dye supplier.
Synthrapol - get at least the quart size, because you can use this on purchased fabrics, too.
Measuring cups and spoons - get a cheap plastic set you can dedicate to dyeing. Do not use these for food ever again!
Cheap plastic containers - I use 12 ounce plastic disposable drinking cups and inexpensive 2 quart buckets I got at the paint store. These are great for dyeing fat eighths and fat quarters. Be sure to have at least 9 of each size. You will not be using these for food later.
Zip-lock type bags - Get at least 9 of the quart size. Again, you will not be using these for food later.
Gloves - I use the thin surgical type gloves because they fit well and are comfortable. You'll want a new pair every time you start dyeing. Your local medical supply store should have a box of 100 at a very reasonable price. Your local paint or hardware store may also have these at a reasonable price. If you find your hands itch after using the gloves, try switching to a powder-free glove.
Dust mask - you only have one set of lungs. Fortunately, the 29¢ dust mask from the hardware store is all you need for this, and only while you're working with the powders before they dissolve.
Fabric - you'll get the best results with PFD (prepared for dyeing) fabrics. I buy this by the bolt, but 10 yards would probably get you through all the lessons. My favorite of the ones Dharma has is the Kona Cotton, but if your supplier has "Dyers Cloth" get that. In these lessons I'm assuming you're using a 100% cotton PFD.
Dharma's Dye-house Fixative - again, get the quart size because you can use this on purchased fabrics, too.
Craft sticks - great for stirring up the dye mixtures.
Reduran hand cleaner - there will come a time when you forget the gloves, guaranteed. This will get the dye stains off your hands.
Glauber's Salt - can give you more intense colors with black and turquoise. I rarely use this.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate - if you have hard water, this will help the dye overcome the hard water. I've never used it because I don't have hard water at home, and I'm not set up to dye in my studio.