A method of dyeing cellulosic textile fibers with a dye which normally requires an exhaust salt. The method includes the step of forming a dye site, which includes the steps of treating the fibers with a dilute alkali solution containing an epoxy ammonium compound having an epoxy-reactive group which will permanently attach to cellulose hydroxyl groups to form a permanent cationic dye site, rinsing the fibers to remove any excess epoxy ammonium compound and at least some of the dilute alkali solution, and neutralizing any remaining alkali solution with a mild acid. The method also includes the steps of dyeing the fibers in a dyebath containing a bifunctional reactive dye without a salt and at a temperature at or below 30 DEG C (86 DEG F) to dye exhaustion.
