How Do You Set the Dye When Hand Dyeing Yarn?

If you’ve ever wanted to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-dyed yarn, hand-dyeing yarn is a great way to create a unique and colorful yarn you won’t find anywhere else. But how do you set the dye in your hand-dyed yarn? Setting the dye in your hand-dyed yarn is called “fixing” the dye and uses a mordant. You can use a few different methods to fix the dye, depending on the type of dye and fiber you’re using. Most of the time, the dye manufactured to dye animal fibers (wool) comes with a mordant (citric acid). This means that the "fixing" is done during the dyeing process. If the mordant isn't included in the dye, vinegar can be an option. A mordant is a chemical that helps to “fix” the dye to the fibers of the yarn. You can purchase mordants in craft stores or online or use vinegar.

If you’re using a hot water bath, you’ll need to bring a pot of water to a boil and then add your yarn. Make sure the pot is large enough that the yarn and the water can move about freely. Gently boil the yarn for 30-45 minutes, carefully moving the yarn occasionally. Once the time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let the yarn cool in the water before rinsing it in cold water.

If you’re using a separate mordant from your dye, dissolve the mordant in a pot of hot water and then add your yarn. Simmer the yarn in the mordant solution for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let the yarn cool completely in the mordant solution before rinsing it in cold water.

After dyeing, rinse your yarn in cold water to remove any excess dye. Make sure you rinse the yarn until the water runs clear. This will help ensure that the dye is fully set. Once your yarn is rinsed, cooled, and dried, it’s ready to be used in your project. With these tips, you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-dyed yarns.

One last important thing to note. Dyes used for dyeing fiber are NOT safe to eat. This means any pots, spoons, and measuring tools must be dedicated to only use when dyeing. Label your equipment boldly and keep it out of the kitchen so you, or anyone else in the house, don't accidentally use them in the future. If you don't want to do any more dyeing, ensure they are unusable for someone else and then throw them away.