Understanding Depth of Shade in Yarn Dyeing: .1% .5% 1% 2% 3%
When it comes to yarn dyeing, achieving consistent and predictable colours is all about understanding Depth of Shade (DOS). This term refers to the amount of dye used relative to the weight of the yarn, directly affecting the intensity and richness of the final colour. In this post, we’ll break down what DOS means and how different percentages—0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%—impact your yarn’s hue and when to use specific depth of shades.
To me, depth of shade is the base or centre point for all my recipes. You can choose your own depth of shade based on the brand of dye and how rich or deep your colours you will primarily work with will be.
What is Depth of Shade (DOS)?
Depth of Shade represents the amount of dye to fibre weight. It is expressed as a percentage based on the weight, which means:
0.1% DOS means 0.1 grams of dye per 100 grams of yarn.
0.5% DOS means 0.5 grams of dye per 100 grams of yarn.
1% DOS means 1 gram of dye per 100 grams of yarn. (Muff's Baseline)
2% DOS means 2 grams of dye per 100 grams of yarn.
3% DOS means 3 grams of dye per 100 grams of yarn.
This percentage affects how deep or light the resulting shade will be.
Muffs Streamlined System
Muffs Merino keeps things simple by using 1% DOS (Depth of Shade) as a hypothetical baseline for all recipes—meaning 1g of dye per 100g of yarn. Different dyes have different pigment strengths, so 1g of Sage Leaf will look completely different from 1g of Caribbean Blue. Instead of adjusting for every variation, I focus on consistency in measurements, making it easier to replicate colours without overcomplicating the process. This streamlined approach helps dyers recreate shades with confidence, without getting lost in the technicalities of DOS calculations.
For deep, dark, rich colors, I typically start with 1g of dye per 100g of yarn, which can be increased to 2g per 100g or more, depending on the dye colour strength and desired depth. While I use Depth of Shade (DOS) for amounts below 1g, the 1g yarn sample recipe serves as my baseline to determine how much dye is needed for deeper hues, allowing me to adjust accordingly for richer colours. This system works really well and creates a streamlined process for mixing my own dye colours, shades, and recipes.
Your own personal DOS
You may want to create your own DOS baseline, depending on the colours you use the most. For example, if you work with pastels most often, you might want to make dye solutions that are .1% DOS or .5% DOS. This way, you can measure out smaller amounts of dye (lighter colours) for smaller amounts of fibre. You can easily create pastel shades and lighter colour collections, without the worry of having to measure small minute amounts. You may want to streamline your process by only creating and measuring out your recipes using .1% dye solutions. This way, your pastel possibilities become endless.
Do what makes sense for you
If you're in New Zealand or Australia and you want to dye a lot of pastels, I would recommend using a brand that is not so concentrated, such as Landscape Acid Dyes. Landscape Acid dyes make the most beautiful pastels. These are less concentrated than Dharma Acid Dyes and become less economical for creating and selling dark shades.
Dyeing tiny amounts of fibre, 1g sample, silk threads etc.
There are times when a 0.1% DOS (Depth of Shade) is necessary, especially for small-scale dyeing. At Muffs Merino, all solutions and recipes can be easily converted to 0.1% DOS simply by moving the decimal place one step or adding a zero to the recipe amount.
I use 0.1% solutions for dyeing 1g samples. Weighing out small amounts of dye powder for small samples can be impossible on a micro weigh scale—By diluting the dye into a 0.1% stock solution, I can ensure better accuracy, consistency, and control without the frustration of trying to weigh minuscule amounts of dye powder for minuscule amounts of fibre.
Exploring Different DOS Percentages
0.1% DOS – Soft & Subtle Hues
0.1% DOS produces a very light pastel tints of the dye colour. The effect is delicate, making it ideal for subtle backgrounds, fades, or layering techniques. It’s also great for when you want to create soft, watercolour like effects on your yarn.
0.5% DOS – Light Shades to Medium Hues
0.5% DOS produces a pastel or light tint of the dye color. The effect is delicate, making it ideal for subtle backgrounds, fades, or layering techniques. It’s also great for when you want to create soft, watercolor-like effects on your yarn.
1% DOS – Standard Medium Shade
At 1% DOS, the color becomes noticeable but not too intense. This is often a go-to percentage for general dyeing because it provides clear color results without being overpowering. If you’re dyeing for even coverage and a balanced tone, 1% DOS is a great starting point.
2% DOS – Rich and Bold
A 2% DOS results in a deep, saturated color that is richer and more vibrant. You’ll start to see the true intensity of the dye, and some dyes may even show their undertones more prominently. This depth is ideal for strong, noticeable hues that stand out.
3% DOS – Intense & Striking
At 3% DOS, the color reaches maximum saturation. The yarn will appear dark and intense, absorbing as much dye as possible before reaching saturation limits. Some colors, especially bright or heavily pigmented ones, may not show much difference between 2% and 3% because the fiber can only absorb so much dye.
Things to Consider When Adjusting DOS
Dye Type & Brand: Different dye brands have varying strengths, so some may appear darker at lower DOS levels.
Fiber Type: Wool, silk, and alpaca absorb dye differently, affecting the final result.
Water & Acid Ratios: The amount of water and pH levels in your dye bath can impact absorption.
Layering & Over-dyeing: A lower DOS can be layered for more complex, nuanced shades.
Experimenting with DOS
If you’re new to adjusting DOS, try dyeing mini skeins at different percentages to compare the results. Keeping detailed records of your dyeing process will help you recreate or tweak shades in the future.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Depth of Shade is essential for achieving precise color results in yarn dyeing. Whether you're aiming for soft pastels, balanced mid-tones, or bold, striking hues, mastering DOS will give you greater control over your color palette.
Have you experimented with different DOS levels in your dyeing projects? Share your experiences in the comments below!
