setting/fixing color on decorative trim?

[kristilew]

Any sewers out there who might have handled this issue?

I am making a costume for DD that will have decorative braid sewn onto the dress. The fabric is cotton, but I got the braid in the trimmings section for home decor. So it has occurred to me that when I wash the dress, the braid color may leak onto the dress

I have not added the braid to the dress yet.

I'm wondering if there is some fixative that can be put on the braid, either a spray or a soak, maybe, that will stop the color from fading.

Or maybe I should just soak the braid in cold water a couple of times until the water stays clear?

Any ideas? TIA!

 

[Imzadi]

I do some fabric painting and dyeing. I was always taught to soak/rinse stuff in vinegar. That helps set some colors, depending on the dyes. Also applying heat helps set some colors. Iron it first, using proper setting for material, no steam. Then do the vinegar rinse. Rinse out with cold water.

If this is something that you are going to toss in the dryer later, pre-shrink this and the cotton material in the dryer before sewing together. I always hate those puckers you get when materials shrink at different rates.

 

[kristilew]

Thank you! Vinegar makes sense - isn't that what we use on Easter Eggs?