Getting StartedDyeing yarn allows the knitter complete control over the final result. With self-dyed yarn, the knitter can easily choose between self-striping or variegated yarn; yarn with skinny stripes or long; few colors or many. There are many different ways to dye yarn, such as immersion dyeing, dip-dyeing or hand-painting. This tutorial will focus on hand-painting superwash wool yarn with acid-wash dyes.
Each fiber type has a different chemical structure and therefore requires a separate kind of dye. There are many different kinds of dyes, divided into classes depending on the fibers they will dye and the chemical assistants they require. For example, the acid dyes are a class of dyes, but only a few are suitable for home use. The only limitation to these dyes is that they will not dye most synthetic fibers or cellulose fibers, such as cotton. The dyes for synthetic fibers are either too complicated or too hazardous for people to use in their homes.
This episode will cover dyeing 100 percent superwash wool and acid wash dyes. The word "acid," in this sense, simply means that it helps bond the dye to the fiber. In this case, the acid used is household vinegar.
Dye alone cannot attach permanently to the fiber: it needs a chemical to help in the process. There are many different techniques that can be used to do this, including standard household distilled vinegar. There are numerous resources online and in dye books that discuss the various techniques, and dye companies such as Pro-Chemical give dyeing instructions on their websites.
First and foremost, there are some important safety precautions to use while dyeing.
- Use tools that will no longer be used for cooking in the kitchen. The dyes can be toxic (or harmful).
- Wear clothes that you don't care about getting dye on.
- Always wear a dust mask and rubber gloves.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
Materials:
acid wash dye
rubber gloves
containers for the dye with lids that close tightly
yarn (100% superwash merino)
sponge brushes
distilled white vinegar (preferably a name brand as it is more concentrated)
bowls for soaking yarn
stainless steel measuring spoons
measuring cups
dust mask
cling wrap
heat source such as microwave or non-reactive dye-pot
old towel to lie out on table to prevent dye staining things unwontedly.
1. Keeping the end in mind, decide if the yarn will be self-striping or variegated. Use a warping board either like the one sold at Carolina Homespun, or build your own. Make one long skein by wrapping it around two chairs far apart, or simply put it into a 2 ½ foot skein.
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