Scouring, Mordanting and Soy

Scouring, mordanting, and applying soy milk, are important steps in preparing fabric to be printed with plants. Download the guides below to get the recipes and instructions for these processes.

Scouring instructions for preparing fabric, outlining two methods: traditional and alternate. The traditional method includes using 1 gallon of water, 1 tsp soda ash, 1.5 tsp of detergent, and a non-reactive pot. Steps involve dissolving ingredients, simmering fabric, cooling, and rinsing. The alternate method suggests using fragrance-free detergent without soda ash and washing at high temperature. Additionally, notes explain the benefits of soda ash and residue left using the traditional method. Copyright Wendy Arnott 2022.

Scouring is the first step in preparing your fabric for printing. The purpose of scouring is to remove residues from the fabric. Download this guide for recipe and instructions.

Fabric being boiled in a large pot with steam rising, photo demonstrated the process of scouring fabric to prepare it for dyeing.
Mordanting instructions with traditional and alternate methods for fabric, involving alum, water, and simmering. Steps include calculating alum based on fabric weight, dissolving alum, simmering fabric, and drying. Copyright Wendy Arnott 2022, WendyAstudio.com.

Mordanting is the second step in preparing your fabric for printing. Mordants help the fabric grab onto color. Download this guide for recipe and instructions.

White cloth submerged in a boiling pot with visible steam.
Typed document titled 'Soy Milk Binder', detailing a recipe and application instructions for using soy milk to help pigments adhere to fabric. It includes a list of ingredients and steps for preparation, as well as tips on applying soy milk to fabrics.

Applying soy milk is the third step in preparing your fabric for printing. Soy milk is a binder, it acts as a light glue to help pigments adhere to fabric. Download this guide for recipe and instructions.

In this video, see how to apply soy milk to fabric.