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Click here for printable MS Word document Click here for printable pdf file (open with Adobe Reader) Dyeing Fiber in the Microwave Using Food Paste or Acid Dyes. ©2005 Reenie Hanlin
This process works for dyeing both yarn and roving. I refer to it as fiber in my instructions. I also recommend you reading my other tutorial, Painting Fiber in the Microwave.
1. Wind yarn into skeins using a niddy noddy or skein winder. I made a niddy by taking a board 40 inches long and hammering large nails at either end 36 inches (1 yard) or 1 meter apart. This also helps to track how much yarn is in each skein. Tie at ends and in between to keep it from unraveling. If dyeing roving or other unspun fiber, weigh it into manageable weights- I usually do 4 oz. batches. 2. Soak fiber in white vinegar and very warm tap water for at least 30 minutes. My ratio was ½ cup vinegar to 2 quarts of water. White vinegar is acetic acid. Household white vinegar is usually a 5% dilution so play with your ratios. The acid in the vinegar sets the color in the fiber. 3. Put food paste dye in a quart jar of hot tap water. I used 1 to 2 tsp. of dye per quart. You may need to play with the dye amounts. The color should be dark enough that you can’t see through it. Stir to dissolve. You can also add vinegar to the dye water. 4. Gently squeeze excess water from fiber and place it into either a microwave safe bowl (I sacrificed my 4 quart casserole dish) with a lid or a bowl with plastic wrap on top or a zip loc bag. BEWARE of steam if you use the plastic wrap or zip loc bag. It builds up fast and hurts if it gets you! 5. Pour dye water over fiber and stir GENTLY to coat evenly. Microwave on high 2 minutes ON (with door closed) and 2 minutes OFF (with door open) until the water seems transparent. I ended up microwaving for 10 minutes total until I felt it was done. Let it sit until it cools somewhat, more dye will exhaust into the fiber while it cools. 6. Soak in warm tap water (the same temperature as the fiber so it does not felt) until the water is clear. Sometimes this takes 2 or 3 soaks. You can also put a few glugs of vinegar in to the rinse water if you feel like it to help “set” the color. BEWARE of extreme temperature changes and being too rough with the fiber because it will felt. 7. Once rinsed, gently squeeze out excess water. I put my fiber into mesh lingerie bags and give them a quick spin in my washing machine. This takes a huge amount of water out of the fiber and speeds the drying time. If you have dyed yarn, you may want to weight the bottom of the skein to stretch it out a bit. You can use this process on any protein-based fiber such as wool, mohair, etc. I also dyed mohair top roving with huge success! See my website for pictures. I have not tried it with cellulose (plant) fibers, although I have heard of others having success with it, however I think the process is different. Check out my links page for helpful dyeing links. Remember- you need to play with the variables until you get your desired results. Using Acid Dyes When dyeing yarns or fibers with acid dyes, I use the same techniques as listed above for the food paste dyes, but please keep in mind that acid dyes are TOXIC and you should always use under proper ventilation and with a face mask or other protection, but only when the dye is in powder form. This is when it can get airborne and into your lungs. Once it is mixed with the liquid, you just don’t eat or drink it. K? The dye/vinegar/ water ratios I use are as follows, but keep in mind that each fiber differs in it’s absorption rate and each microwave varies in it’s power. ¼ - ½ tsp. dye (depending on desired color intensity), ½ cup vinegar, and 2- 3 quarts of water, enough to cover the fiber. Once you dye with acid dyes, you really shouldn’t use the containers for food EVER again. I forgot this and killed my giant Tupperware mixing bowls. You should do this with the microwave too. I have an old one I use for dyeing only. I put skull and crossbones on the door and a “For Art Only” sign. Plus it looks really cool. Have Fun! reenie
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