How to Dye Wool Naturally
Fix up a dye bath to turn your natural wool into a more interesting color.
Things You'll Need
- Dye Baths
- Mordant Mixture
- Timers
- Shop Aprons
- Wool
- Cream Of Tartar
- Latex Gloves
- Mild Soap
- 2 Stainless Steel Or Enamel Cooking Pots
- Pot Holders
- Wooden Spoons
- Alum
- Pot holders
Instructions
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1
Prepare the wool for dyeing (see Related eHow "How to Prepare Wool for Dyeing").
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2
Make up the mordant (see Related eHows "How to Choose a Mordant").
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3
Put the wool in the mordant and bring it to a simmer.
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4
Rinse the yarn in warm, soapy water and then rinse in clean, lukewarm water until the water is clear.
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5
Prepare the dye bath (see Related eHow "How to Prepare a Dye Bath for Raw Wool").
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6
Place yarn into the lukewarm dye bath.
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7
Heat and let simmer for about an hour.
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8
Use a wooden spoon or glass rod to reposition the wool occasionally.
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9
Add water if the level gets too low.
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10
Check the color by lifting the yarn out of the bath.
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11
Wait until the yarn is a shade darker than you want it, then remove the yarn from the bath.
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12
Wring out the yarn gently, and allow it to dry in a cool place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Colors lighten as they dry.
Add 1 tbsp. washing soda or water softener to the mordant mixture if your water is hard.
Some mordants can be added directly to the dye bath.
Use old stainless steel or unchipped enamel pots and wooden spoons. Don't cook in them after using them for dyeing.
