How to Dye Wool With Coffee

You can use coffee to dye yarn a natural brown tone.

You can dye woolen yarn in a variety of ways. Most commercially available yarns are produced using chemical dyes, but you can add color to yarn using many different types of dye, including ordinary household substances like coffee. With just a few simple ingredients, as well as equipment you probably already have in your kitchen, you can use coffee to give wool a warm light brown color. The process is enjoyable, ecologically friendly and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need

• Wool yarn
• Large bowl
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 pot coffee
• Large pot
• Stove
• Spatula or spoon
• Soap
• Drying surface

Instructions

1. Form your yarn into a loop. If it is in a ball, unwind it and make it into a skein. Tie the skein at several points to ensure that it stays in shape.

2. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Add half a cup of vinegar. White vinegar is best. Immerse the yarn in the water and leave it to soak for an hour or two.

3. Pour a full pot of hot coffee into a large pot. Allow it to cool slightly. Add the remaining vinegar.

4. Remove the yarn from the bowl and wring it gently until most of the water has left. Place it in the pot full of coffee and place the pot on the stove.

5. Heat the pot to medium. Gently simmer the yarn, but don't let it boil. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring periodically. The longer you let the yarn simmer, the darker the color will be.

6. Remove the yarn from the heat and allow it to cool. Pour out the coffee.

7. Rinse the yarn in warm water to remove excess coffee; then wash it in water with a small amount of wool soap and rinse again.

8. Wring out any excess water from the yarn and hang it up to dry.

References

• Stitchings by Lauren Nell Roy; Coffee Dyeing Yarn; October 2008
• Burda Style: Kettle Dyeing Yarn or Fabric - Eco-friendly Crafting!
• The AntiCraft: Dyeing for Coffee