A dye solution is a pre-mixed liquid dye stored for later use. It’s made by dissolving powdered dye in water. Muffs Dye solutions are always based on 100g of yarn. Muffs dye recipes are always based on 1% dye solutions. Muffs uses a diluted solution to measure small amounts of dye for small amounts of yarn, colourway sections, 1g samples, pastels and light shades. Dye solutions are useful in fibre or yarn dyeing for several purposes:
Convenience
Pre-mixing your dyes saves time during the dyeing process, especially if you frequently work with the same colours.
Consistency
By creating a dye solution, you can measure pre-made recipe amounts and achieve consistent colour results across different batches.
Efficiency
Dye solutions allow you to easily measure dye amounts without the hassle of mixing powder each time.
Light Shades
Diluted dye solutions allow you to easily achieve pastel colours and light shades for dyeing whites, pastels, small sections of yarn and small amounts of fibre such as yarn or tiny fibre samples or projects that require tiny silk threads such as embroidery.
Storage
Storing dye solutions properly (in airtight containers) means you can use them over time without needing to worry about the powder degrading or clumping.
These are typically used when you want to ensure that colors are readily available and that you can quickly adjust the amount of dye for specific techniques without needing to measure from scratch.
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How to Make 1% Dye Solutions based on 100g of yarn or fibre:
Materials
Dye Powder (any brand you prefer)
Micro Weigh Scale in grams (for measuring)
Measuring Cup
Warm Water
Transparent Container with airtight lid
(preferably wide enough for your hand and syringe to fit into)
Mixing Tool (such as a silicone meat baster)
Measure the Dye
Using your micro weigh scale, measure 1 gram of your dye powder colour.
Boiling Water & Mix
Add a small amount of boiling water to your measuring cup. Using your silicone baster, stir well, wait until dissolved. (Could be from 1 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the dye colour and/or brand).
Add Water
Add the remaining water so the total amount of liquid measures 100mls.
Mix the Mixture
Stir the dye and water thoroughly. Stir at least 30 times, stirs or rounds.
Store the Solution
If not using immediately, store your dye solution in a labeled container.
Adjust any specific details based on the type of dye or fibre or dye brand you are working with. Always record your results.
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How to Make .1% Diluted Dye Solutions based on 100g of yarn or fibre
(for dyeing small sections, small samples, small amounts of yarn in light shades and pastel colours. For when you cannot measure a tiny amount of dye in grams on a micro weigh scale).
Materials
Dye Powder (any brand you prefer)
Micro Weigh Scale in grams (for measuring)
Measuring Cup
Warm Water
Transparent Container with airtight lid
(preferably wide enough for your hand and syringe to fit into)
Mixing Tool (such as a silicone meat baster)
Measure the Dye
Using your micro weigh scale, measure .1 gram of your dye powder colour.
Boiling Water & Mix
Add a tiny amount of boiling water to your measuring cup. Using your silicone baster, stir well, wait until dissolved. (Could be from 1 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the dye colour and/or brand).
Add Water
Add the remaining water so the total amount of liquid measures 100mls.
Mix the Mixture
Stir the dye and water thoroughly. Stir at least 30 times, stirs or rounds.
Store the Solution
If not using immediately, store your dye solution in a labeled container.
Adjust any specific details based on the type of dye or fibre or dye brand you are working with. Always record your results.