fixing procion mx dyes

[metzesu]

I use the procion mx dyes to hand paint a 6 meter long (by 2 inch wide) rayon/satin ribbon. I do not usually soak in soda ash first but I mix the dye with urea and a little thickener. I do not wash the ribbons, but I do iron with a not steam iron. I read somewhere that procion mx dyes do not have to be steam set. Is that tru? If so would the stove top steamer work with this size material?

[metzesu]

one other thought> i'm a little worried about soda ash because the fabric is very thin and is used in gymnastics so it takes a beating> even the dye tends to weaken the fabric a bit