Abstract: A system for continuously dyeing textile materials, such as tufted pile carpets. A carpet having a face pile on one side and a back surface on the other side is wetted with water. A foamed, steam-fixable dye liquor is deposited on the face pile of the carpet. The carpet is then introduced into a substantially closed space defined between a web substantially non-permeable to steam and a heated surface of a drum such that the back surface of the carpet is in heat transfer contact with the heated surface. The carpet remains in the space for a period of time sufficient for at least a portion of the water to be converted to steam and for the steam to fix the dye liquor on the face pile. The system can also be used to simultaneously dye the pile of a carpet and adhere a secondary backing to the carpet.