Dyeing questions.

[Ga_Rebel]

What all can you use to dye yarn? Whats the procedure? Can you use any yarn such as cotton yarn? I am asking because at our local Wal-Mart they never have the colors I want for making dish clothes and I fingure I can just get some food coloring or kool-aide and dye it my self but I don't know the procedure. Can someone give me some pointers.

[JCB]

Here's a great tutorial on dyeing yarns with Kool-Aid:

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/FEATdyedwool.html You do need animal fibers for this technique, such as wool, mohair, etc.

 

I am sure there are commercial dyes available to dye cotton. Why not 'google' Dyeing Cotton Yarn and see what comes up.

 

Joan

[losingmymind2]

Cotton yarn has to be dyed with commercial dyes like Rit Fabric Dye. It won't work with drink mix or food coloring because it is a plant fiber not animal like wool. I have dyed cotton (once) on the stove with Rit and it came out ok. Be sure to 'set' the color as directed. I used salt.

[Ga_Rebel]

So I can't use food coloring just the Rit on cotton?

[losingmymind2]

No, it won't permanently dye cotton. Unless you spill it on a cherished piece of work.

[Ga_Rebel]

I bought some Rit dye earlier. I just wanna make sure I bought something that would permantly dye this cotton yarn.

[sakurasaku]

No, it won't permanently dye cotton. Unless you spill it on a cherished piece of work.

 

:lol:lol

[Ga_Rebel]

so its kool aide that doesn't dye perm. or is that the Rit kind.

[losingmymind2]

Kool Ade doesn't dye cotton permanetly but it dyes wool or other PROTEIN fibers, like hair, skin (well, until the skin cells wear out and are replaced). Anyway; use the Rit if your material is cotton. Then, for fun with kool aid; get some wool and see how addicting dyeing with drink mix can be.

[Melissa]

I am asking because at our local Wal-Mart they never have the colors I want for making dish clothes and I fingure I can just dye it my self.

 

I feel your pain...I was actually considering it myself last week! I have a pattern to make some lovely cotton gingham placemats, but I can't find the blues I need! Grrrrrr...

[Ga_Rebel]

Do you do the 2 min. intervals in the microwave until dry?

 

So far this has been pretty simple and straight forward.

[losingmymind2]

Yes two min nuke, two min rest, repeat until the liquid is clear. It's easy, fun, and addictive.