A six-step guide to preparing wool fibre and yarn in hand dyeing.
If you don’t prepare your yarn properly, it's not going to take up into the yarn properly. When it comes to creating solid colours, especially darker colours, proper prep ensures your dye takes evenly and helps the colours come out vibrant, even and consistent. If you want evenly dyed yarn with full colour coverage, here’s what to do:
1. Consider the type of fibre.
Some fibres are more dense, twisted and fine then other fibres. The fibre filament itself can play a part in how easily it absorbs.
2. Clean the Fibre (if its oily)
If there’s natural oil in your fibre, the water and dye won’t be able to reach it. Cleaning removes oil and dirt that could interfere with the dye absorbing evenly. Some commercially farmed fibres are not as clean as others. I love the smell of natural oily fibre. If it feels or smells like natural oils, it could be a cause for an even dye job. If your fibre is generally clean, it shouldn't be an issue.
How to Clean your Wool
Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of wool wash. Let the fibre soak for 20 minutes, slowly pressing and moving it occasionally. Avoid agitating to prevent felting. Rinse.
How to Clean Plant Based Fibre
Dissolve soda ash in warm water and soak the fibre for 30 minutes. Rinse.
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3. Soak the Fibre
Soaking the fibre will allow all the dye to penetrate the fibre evenly. Fill a basin with warm water and submerge the fibre, letting it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Why 30 Minutes Isn’t Always Enough
When dyeing fine or tightly twisted yarns, a quick soak might not be sufficient for the fibres to fully absorb moisture. This can lead to uneven dye uptake, where some areas take on more colour while others remain lighter, especially when dyeing dark colours.
Densely spun fibres can trap air inside the strands. If the fibre hasn’t fully absorbed the water, the dye will have a hard time penetrating, resulting in patchy or uneven colours.
The 24-Hour Soak: A Game-Changer for Dark, Solid Colors
For consistent, deep and dark colours for fine yarn, a 24-hour soak is recommended. This extended soaking time allows the water to thoroughly penetrate every strand and layer of the fibre, ensuring it’s fully saturated before the dyeing process begins.
1. Fill a Basin with Water
Fill a large enough basin with warm water to ensure your yarn or fibre is fully submerged without crowding.
2. Submerge Your Fibre
Place your yarn or fibre gently into the water. If you’re working with twisted yarn, you may notice some initial bubbling as air escapes—this is a good sign that the fibres are starting to absorb water.
3. Gently Press Down the Fibre
To help release trapped air, press the fibre down gently into the water. Avoid agitating the fibre too much to prevent unwanted felting.
4. Soak for at Least 24 Hours: This extended soaking time is critical for ensuring even saturation. Check on your fiber periodically and gently press it down again to help eliminate any remaining air pockets. When in doubt, soak any and all your fibre for 24 hours.
Soaking for Too Long
If fibre is soaked for too long and left exposed, it can accumulate dust and dirt, potentially altering its colour. To prevent this, use a covered, non-transparent basin to soak your yarn. Prolonged soaking without protection can lead to unintended colour changes in your fibre.
5. Add a Splash of Vinegar
(Not recommend for solid even dyeing).
Now is a good time to add vinegar to your soak. Depending on your dye style, you may want to add a splash of vinegar or citric acid to the soak. The acid dye will strike the fibres more quickly.
6. Check for Complete Saturation
Before moving to the dyeing stage, ensure your fiber is completely saturated. When you gently lift it from the water, it should feel heavy, and no dry spots should remain. If you still see any dry or resistant areas, you may need to soak it for even longer, especially for denser yarns.
Soaking Tips
Avoid Rushing: Patience is key. If you’re working with delicate or fine yarns, it’s better to allow more time for soaking rather than risk uneven results. The extra time is worth it for a professional-looking, even dye job.
Use Gentle Handling: Be mindful of how you handle your fibre while soaking. Too much agitation or sudden temperature changes can cause felting, especially with extended soaking times. Handle the fibre gently to avoid agitation.
Test Different Soak Times: If you’re experimenting with new fibers or yarn types, it can be helpful to test different soak times. Some fibers may not need a full 24 hours, while others might need even longer depending on their density and twist.
By taking the time to fully soak your fiber for 24 hours or more, you’ll set yourself up for success when it comes to achieving deep, solid hues with even coverage. It’s a simple yet transformative step that ensures your dye has the best possible canvas to work with.
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5. Tie Off Sections
If you’re dyeing yarn, it’s helpful to tie off sections of your skein loosely with acrylic or nylon yarn or string. This keeps your yarn from getting tangled during the dyeing process and makes it easier to handle in the dye bath. A strong tie string or yarn will allow you to pick up your skien without the tie breaking. Alternatively, you can attach a zip tie or silicone clip for easy handling.
6. Ready Your Workspace
Before you start dyeing, ensure your workspace is set up for success. Lay down plastic coverings or use dedicated dyeing equipment to avoid staining surfaces. Gather all your dye supplies like gloves, weigh scale, calculator, measuring spoons rinsing tool container, dye solution containers etc.
Happy dyeing!