How To Dye Your Fiber

[shipahoy41]

How to Dye Your Fiber:

There are two basic methods for dyeing fiber with Kool-Aid: the microwave method and the stovetop method. Each works very well, although your results may vary slightly.


Use the microwave method for:

Dyeing small quantities of yarn (four ounces or less) in the same color

Hand painting multiple colors on the same skein

Producing a more "mottled" or varied single color.

Use the stovetop method for:

Dyeing larger quantities of the same color

Producing a more uniform distribution of color.

Microwave Method

1. Soak fiber in hot water for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

2. While it is soaking, make your Kool-Aid solution(s). For each package of Kool-Aid use 3 parts water to one part vinegar.

3. Remove your fiber from the hot water soak. Squeeze out excess water.

4. Place the fiber on a long sheet of plastic wrap.

5. Pour dye over fiber slowly, being sure that you cover as much of the fiber as possible.

6. Wrap the fiber up in the plastic wrap. If you want, you can secure the ends with masking tape.

7. Squish the dye liquid around the wrapped fiber until all the fiber has been covered with the dye.

8. Place in the pyrex container.

9. Place container (with fiber) in the microwave and microwave for 2 minutes

10. Let rest for two minutes. If necessary, during this period, you may squish the liquid around again to ensure adequate dye coverage. [/SIZE]11. Check to see if the solution is colorless.

CAUTION: When checking your fiber, the contents will be very, very hot!!! Be careful of any escaping steam. Avoid putting your face or hands directly over the wrapped fiber packet in case it opens unexpectedly.

12. If the solution is not colorless, repeat steps 9, 10 and 11 until the solution is colorless.

13. Rinse the fiber thoroughly in water the same temperature as the dye bath. At this point you may want to wash the fiber with liquid dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly using the procedure that you normally use for washing yarn.

14. Hang the fiber and let it air dry.

Stovetop Method:

1. Soak fiber in hot water for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

2. While it is soaking, make your Kool-Aid bath. For each package of Kool-Aid use 3 parts water to one part vinegar.

3. Heat the dye solution to just below boiling.

4. Remove your fiber from the hot water soak. Squeeze out excess water.

5. Add your fiber to the dye bath. Be sure that the fiber is completely submerged in the dye solution. If necessary, add more water so your fiber is completely covered and ensure even dyeing . Adding some additional water will not affect the final result.

6. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until all the color is gone. During this time, carefully turn the fiber periodically in the dye bath so it absorbs the color more evenly. When the color in the dye bath completely disappears - the bath becomes a clear colorless liquid or a white, milky liquid - depending on the flavor of Kool-Aid you used - turn off the burner.

7. Let the solution cool until it reaches a temperature with which you can comfortably handle the fiber.

8. Rinse the fiber thoroughly in water the same temperature as the dye bath. At this point you may want to wash the fiber with liquid dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly using the procedure that you normally use for washing yarn.

9. Hang the fiber and let it air dry.


old ship

[willsjwills]

Jello also works.