Tie preparation
I was asked at a lecture last week to talk about how I prepare used neckties for use. If I have a lot of them, I sort into reds (any amount of red), lights, and others. If I only have 3 dozen or so, I don't sort, but am careful to take precautions against bleeding dyes. I put all ties in my washing machine, add Orvus Soap (Quilt Soap), a splash of Retayne (dye fixative), a Color Catcher sheet, and fabric softener. Wash in cool water on delicate cycle. Then either air dry or in a dryer on delicate cycle. Only then do I dismantle the ties.