How to Dye Sheepskin

Sheep skin is often used to make shoes and jackets.

Sheepskin is the skin of a sheep with the fleece left on, and is used most often in clothing. Jackets and shoes are among some of the clothing items that sheepskin can be used to make. When buying sheepskin, it can come in a variety of colors, however, it is also possible to dye sheepskin later if you so desire. Dye that will work on wool and leather will work on sheepskin.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Powder dye
• Bowl
• 2 cups of hot water
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Pour hot water into a bucket up to about 4 inches from the top of the bucket.

2. Mix 2 cups of hot water and a packet of powder dye into a bowl. Mix carefully with a spoon. Once all of the powder is dissolved, pour contents of bowl into the bucket.

3. Soak your sheepskin in water. Use running water as it will also help to pull off any debris that is on your item.

4. Put your sheep skin item into the bucket. Stir your item constantly and smoothly so dye evenly distributes on sheepskin. Keep the item in the dye for approximately 30 minutes to ensure that the sheepskin is saturated.

5. Rinse the item off with warm water. Water will start to run clear. Once it runs clear, run cold water onto it for two to three minutes. Put the sheepskin in a well-ventilated area to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not clean the bucket immediately with water and bleach, it will remain stained by the dye.

References

• Rit Dye: Dying Techniques