Becky,
It depends on what kind of dye you are using. There are different types of dyes, and they each can require different materials and processes.
Also, it depends on whether you just want to dye fabric or whether you want to paint fabric with dyes to create an image. The steps are different.
I have two suggestions. First, I suggest you checkout Dharma Trading CO. online,
www.dharmatrading.com. Dharma has a lot of information online that you would find helpful. Also, you could order a catalog from Dharma Trading. It is a good summary of different dyes, inks, paints and the materials needed. I found it very informative when I started working with dyes.
Second, because you mentioned painting cotton fabric, I suggest you consider purchasing Hollis Chatelain's DVD,
Dye-Painting with Hollis. if you are interested in painting with Procion dyes. She does a good job demonstrating the process.
Hope this helps.
Judy