Easy Yarn Dyeing

by Sue
(South Dakota)

If you enjoy yarn crafts, it is fun and easy to dye your own wool yarn. Unsweetened powdered drink mixes make great dyes for yarn. You can make some fun effects by using multiple colors. The process is simple and can be done in your kitchen. Make sure you use a wool yarn, as cotton and many synthetics will not take this dye. Use a light colored yarn so you can see the new colors.

Make sure you get an unsweetened mix, the kind you would add sugar to to make a drink. The brand is not really important, store brands work as well as the national brands. For each ounce of yarn get at least one packet of mix, more if you want darker colors. You can combine mixes as well to make a wide variety of colors.

Gently wash your yarn in tepid water with a couple drops of dish soap added. Let it soak a few minutes to get thoroughly wet. Put some water in a bowl, add the drink mix, and then add the yarn. If the yarn doesn't start to take up the dye right away try adding a little vinegar. When you're happy with the yarn color, drain most of the water and put the yarn in the microwave. Heat in on high for about 2 minutes (til it's quite hot), then let it rest for a few minutes and nuke it again. Squeeze out the excess water and lay the yarn out on a towel to dry. Now have fun with your beautiful yarn!