Brushed stretch denim fabric and process therefor: indigo dyeing

A process for effecting the penetration of a cellulose-containing textile product with an indigo dye comprising the steps of preparing an indigo dye bath comprised of a reduced indigo dye, caustic and hydrosulfite, holding the indigo concentration substantially constant, maintaining the oxidation reduction potential of the dye bath within a range of from about 850 mv to about 1200 mv, heating the dye bath to a temperature within a range of from about 130.degree. F. to about 190.degree. F., and immersing a relatively dry textile product in the heated dye bath for a period of time sufficient to substantially penetrate the textile product.

A process for dyeing a cellulose-containing textile product with indigo dye wherein the indigo dye penetrates the textile product comprising the steps of scouring the textile product at a temperature ranging from about 180.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F., rinsing the textile product in water at a temperature ranging from about 110.degree. F. to about 180.degree. F., drying the textile product so that it has a moisture content ranging from about 1% to about 6%, immersing the textile product in a bath of aqueous indigo dyestuff solution having an oxidation reduction potential ranging from about 850 mv to about 1200 mv and heated to a temperature ranging from about 130.degree. F. to about 190.degree. F., reoxidizing the indigo dye, rinsing the textile product in water ranging in temperature from about 80.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F., and drying the textile product.

A process for finishing a stretchable fabric woven from cellulose-containing warp yarns dyed with a hot indigo dye solution that penetrates substantially there through, and stretch filling yarns, comprising the steps of washing the fabric in a series of baths maintained at about 200.degree. F., drying the fabric and applying a finishing and tinting solution to develop the desired hand to tint the filling yarns, thereafter drying the fabric to a moisture content of about 6% to about 8%, then stretching the fabric to an extent ranging from about 0% to about 5%, and shrinking the fabric to an extent ranging from about 8% to about 10%.