How to Dye Cotton Yarn

Dye cotton yarn in custom colors to get exactly the look you want.

You can dye your own yarn at home to make the exact color you need for a project. Dye any natural- or light-colored cotton yarn a darker or brighter color. The easiest way to dye cotton yarn is to use a commercial dye product designed for fabrics, available from the grocery or craft store. You can use this product in your home washing machine to give your cotton yarn a whole new look.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton yarn
• Yarn swift (optional)
• String
• Vinegar
• Powdered fabric dye
• Wooden paint stirrer or spoon
• Plastic gloves

Instructions

1. Wind your yarn into a loose hank using a swift. If you don't have a swift, wrap the entire amount of yarn you wish to dye around a chair back. After winding, grab the yarn through all thicknesses and tie with string in several places to secure.

2. Create a mixture of half vinegar and half warm water in a large sink or bowl. Immerse the yarn and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Remove and squeeze out as much liquid as you can and discard the vinegar solution.

3. Fill the washing machine with warm water and add a packet of fabric dye. Add two cups of vinegar to the mixture and stir with a paint stick or wooden spoon.

4. Put on plastic gloves and immerse the hand of yarn in the dye. Make sure all of the yarn is completely submerged. Allow the yarn to soak for 30 minutes, then put the gloves on and lift the yarn to check the color. If you are happy with the color, proceed; otherwise soak the yarn for 10-minute intervals until the desired color is reached.

5. Switch the washer to the spin setting to rinse away the dye. Soak the yarn again in plain water for 10 minutes and spin again. Remove the yarn promptly and hang to dry. When the yarn is dry, use as desired. Run the washer empty--with detergent but no clothing--to completely rinse away any excess dye.

Tips & Warnings

• Use more dye powder for stronger colors, and less powder for more subtle shades.

• Dye as many hanks yarn as you need for one project so you can be sure the colors will match.

• Look for yarn to dye in the clearance bin. You may spot a yarn that has been deeply discounted simply because it is an ugly color.

• You have to put your yarn in a hank or bundle before dying. The dye won't take evenly if you don't.

• This technique will work on yarns that are 100-percent cotton. If your yarn has other fiber content, it may not dye evenly.

References

• "Yarns to Dye For: Creating Self-Patterning Yarns for Knitting"; Kathleen Taylor; 2005
• "Sewing with Vintage Linens"; Samantha McNesby; 2003