The Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics: A Practical Handbook for the Dyer and Student

A concise, hands‑on guide for anyone working with cotton, this handbook walks the reader through the essential chemistry of the fiber before moving on to the practical steps of bleaching, dyeing, and finishing. Clear explanations of how acids, alkalies and mordants interact with cellulose give a solid scientific foundation, while the accompanying engravings illustrate each stage of the process—from the low‑pressure bleaching kier to the various dye‑tanks and machines in use at the turn of the century.

The text then explores a range of dyeing techniques, covering direct dyes, metallic salts, developers, and mordants, as well as special methods for mixed fabrics such as cotton‑wool blends and cotton‑silk satins. Practical sections on post‑dyeing operations, colour testing, and experimental trials equip students and professionals alike with reliable, time‑tested procedures that still inform modern textile colour work.