In-Depth Review of Knitting Yarn

Quick, Fun Dyeing for Beginners:

Instructions

Step 1  Wet the yarn in lukewarm water. This causes the fibers to swell and absorb color more readily. If possible, soak the yarn for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2   Prepare your dyepot. A general rule of thumb is to use 30 parts liquid to 1 part fiber. So if you're dyeing one ounce of fiber, you'll want 30 ounces of water, or a little under one quart. For this experiment, simply use enough water to cover the fiber without swamping it.

Step 3   Add dye and let it dissolve completely. With these types of dyes, you'll get a pretty good idea of the dye intensity as you add the powder. I added my dyes in quarter-teaspoon increments so I could better control the results.

Don't worry about getting everything exact at first. Just pick a color and pour a packet of it into the water. If you want more intensity, double the dosage. The more yarn you dye, the more color you'll need.

Step 4   This is an optional step. Add a dash of vinegar to the dye water, which will help the fiber more readily absorb the dye.

Step 5   Bring the water to a low simmer, just below a boil.

Step 6   Add the fiber and stir immediately to ensure even dye distribution.

Step 7   Let the mixture simmer just below a boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until the water is clear. If the water still remains tinted, add a dash of vinegar and let it simmer for five more minutes.

Step 8   Lift the yarn from your dye pot and place it in another pot filled with hot water. Swirl the yarn in the water and rinse until the water runs clear. Squeeze out excess moisture and lay the yarn outside to dry.

Next:

Creative variations on this technique

Previous:

Dye workshop: Create your own Kool-Aid colors

Hand-dyed yarns from Ellen's 1/2-Pint Farm

Hand-painted yarns from Ellen's 1/2-Pint Farm

Quick steps

Wet the yarn
Put water in pot
Add dye
Add vinegar
Heat water
Add yarn
Simmer until color is fully absorbed
Rinse
Air dry

Additional Resources

Where to Buy Natural Dye Kits

Where to Buy Natural Dyes (pick your own)

Where to Buy Acid Dyes