dyeing wool question

[Chrome Kitty]

I've read everything I could find about dyeing wool, but I just want you guys to verify something for me . . . If I use RIT dye which suggests that you mix it with water that is 140 degrees and swish the item around, since I'm using wool that I don't want to felt, as long as I don't do the swishing part, it won't felt in water that hot, correct?

[natalie058]

I can't answer this from experience - but I think you'd be okay. As far as I know it takes three things to felt wool - a change in temp, a change in pH, and agitation. I think if you're *gradually* changing the temp and not swishing, you should be good.

 

But again - not from experience...

[Chrome Kitty]

Thanks, Natalie!

[threeolivemartini]

rit dye does not give you as vivid results as using an acid type dye on wool

[Chrome Kitty]

What would you recommend? And what method do you use?

[losingmymind2]

I've used both koolaid and liquid food coloring to dye wool. When I wanted a large amount of wool the same color I did it in a big pan on the stove, bringing it to a simmer and stiring GENTLY occasionally. Otherwise, I do a skein or two at a time in the microwave. If you read the posts in here, you will find a wealth of information, and feel free to ask if you have other questions.

[natalie058]

rit dye does not give you as vivid results as using an acid type dye on wool

 

I'm glad you verified this, Elizabeth... I read somewhere that RIT dye is made of several types of dye - a little bit to dye most kinds of fibers - so the colors aren't as *saturated* - and I've always wondered if it was true. Happy you could confirm!

[deneen]

I just bought some Jacquard dye and will be trying it hopefully this week. You add vinegar as the acid. It's a powder dye and supposed to give good saturation. I am excited to try this and will post the results. The cost is almost the same as Kool-Aid.

[losingmymind2]

I've got an order in for the dyes too, so when you do them, let us know what you did.