Psychotically Sane

I was asked to put together a yarn dyeing tut. Full of pictures, because that’s the easiest way to understand what to do.

So I took photos of my yarn dyeing adventures this morning. What a wild ride!

Step 1 – Soak yarn in water. It needs soak for minimum of 1 hr, but I wouldn’t recommend going over several hours. I wouldn’t be able to wait that long.

Step 2 – Ring out the excess water from the yarn. It still needs to be pretty wet while you are dyeing it, but it doesn’t need to be soaking wet. I usually pour the yarn into a colander and let it drain out that way. Usually 30 min – 1hr.

Step 3 – Set up the work area. I have a couple pieces of plastic wrap laid out, then an old tablecloth that I use to paint the yarn on.

You don’t have to use the old tablecloth, but it keeps the plastic wrap cleaner so there is less chance of accidental coloring where you don’t want it.

Dyes and cups. I like the Jaquard Powder Acid Dyes. You will need one cup for each color. I use 3oz cups. Go larger cups or bowls if you desire. Just make sure that they are disposable. You don’t want to use a bowl or cup that you will later be using for food or drink. And a cup of vinegar (I’ve read two sets of directions that you do and you don’t need this. I play it safe and use it) You won’t need much vinegar but it’s easier to pour from a 3 oz cup than from the bottle.

Stirring sticks, 1/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp & paintbrushes. I bought skewering sticks and cut them in half. Regular cheap painting brushes from the hardware store. You don’t need to go expensive. And make sure you keep the teaspoons separate from your cooking ones. You don’t want to use these again for foods or liquids.

Clear Plastic wrap and towel. You will use the plastic wrap to wrap the yarn and the towel has it’s obvious reasons.

Gloves. The dyes stain. Trust me on this one.

Step 4- Mix the dyes.


I use 1/4 tsp of dye for almost 3oz of liquid.

Stir it up.

Some colors you will need to use more of the dye powder for. You will be able to tell when you need more or less.
Now the vinegar.

Mix in 1/2 tsp of vinegar and stir again.

Step 5- Now get ready to paint. You should have put on your gloves before you started mixing, but if you didn’t, but them on now.
Get your paintbrush and dip it into the cup.

Now paint it on to the yarn. Make sure you saturate it really well.

Paint the skein of yarn to your desired colors and patterns.

There is no right or wrong way. Every time you will get a delightful surprise of coloring! Once you paint the first side, flip it over and paint the other side.

Step 6- Remove the skein of yarn carefully from the tablecloth and move the tablecloth so you can lay the yarn on the plastic wrap. Fold the plastic wrap around the yarn. Fold it over once.

or twice. I just really liked this photo.

Step 7- Pop it in the microwave for up to 7 minutes per 200 grams of yarn. It’ll burn if you put it in too long and it won’t heat set if you don’t put it in long enough. I have found that 2.5 minutes for 100grams of yarn has worked well.

If you have to open the microwave to let steam out halfway through, go ahead. It won’t hurt anything.

Step 8 – put into a pyrex pan and let it cool. Since it’s the dead of winter, I let it sit outside. It airs it out since it gets stinky! I will most likely do the same in the summer time.

(this was a different skein of yarn I dyed today. I forgot to take a photo of the first skein after I took it out of the microwave ;)

Step 9 – Once it’s cooled off, give it a nice bath in the sink. This will remove all excess dye that would bleed out normally in the first washing.

I throw in 1/4 tsp of wool wash. It gives it a yummy scent.

Very carefully wash the yarn. You want to make sure to remove all excess dye. If it was heat set correctly, very little dye will bleed out. Some colors bleed more than others. Blue’s don’t bleed much, but purples, reds and yellows will bleed a lot. It’s normal.

Ring out the water, lay it on a towel and pat dry. Hang to dry. Wind in a ball, and knit. Fun!

Good luck with your yarn dyeing experience!

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