Piece-dyed means the fabric was dyed after weaving - as a complete "piece" of fabric rather than as individual yarns.
The Process
- Fabric is woven from undyed (greige) yarn
- Complete fabric is dyed in large batches
- Entire piece becomes one colour
Characteristics
Advantages:
- Efficient for solid colours
- Lower cost than yarn-dyeing
- Flexible (same greige fabric can become any colour)
- Consistent colour throughout
Limitations:
- Single colour only (no woven patterns)
- May show more colour variation in thick fabrics
Piece-Dyed vs Yarn-Dyed
| Piece-Dyed | Yarn-Dyed |
|---|---|
| Dyed after weaving | Dyed before weaving |
| Solid colours | Patterns possible |
| More economical | More expensive |
| Faster production | Slower production |
In Towels
Most solid-colour towels are piece-dyed - the practical choice for single-colour products. Patterned towels (stripes, checks) are often yarn-dyed.
Related Terms
- Yarn-dyed - Alternative method
- Reactive dye - Common dye type used