First some top dyeing tips...

Dyeing is great fun but it is really an art that requires experience to achieve consistent results. Often it's the mistakes that produce the prettiest results so don't be afraid to experiment!

• Always test first especially where the results are more critical
• Dry weigh the fibre or yarn first
• Pre-soak your fibre or yarn
• Avoid agitation & thermal shock which may felt or compact the fibre
• Don't be afraid to experiment & mix things up!

When dyeing small quantities of fibre it is often difficult to weigh the dye powder accurately...

One way to overcome this is to make what is known as a stock solution and then add measures of this to the dye bath as required. You can re-make stock solutions accurately time and time again plus they can be stored i an airtight jar for later use. You could also vary the strength of your stock 2%, 3% etc and work with that to create stronger or weaker shades. You'll find it much easier to measure out from a stock solution than to weigh tiny weights of dye powder.

Here are some examples of stock solutions

• 10g of dye in 1L of water makes a 1% strength stock solution
• 30g of dye mixed in 1L of water makes a 3% strength stock solution

Let's prepare a stock solution

Put 10g of dry dye powder in a container then add a small amount of hot water to dissolve thoroughly (If you use cold it will go lumpy and not dissolve properly!). Then top up & mix with luke warm water to 1 litre. This is your 1% dye stock solution. You will now be able to accurately dispense the required amount of this to the dye bath containing the fibre or yarn.

 1: Dyeing in a pot on the hob

Here's a simple hob and cooking pot method. Weights shown are dry weights. Remember to pre soak your fibre before you begin.

1. Mix the dye powder with 1 litre of water to make a dye stock.
2. For each 100g of fibre, stir in 100ml of the pre-prepared dye stock to the dye bath (or more depending on the shade required).
3. If required, add citric acid to the dye bath for a Ph of around 3-4.
4. Now add the fibre to the dye bath and gently submerge.
5. Slowly raise the temperature to boiling point (95C -100C) and simmer for approx 20 to 30 minutes. When all the dye has exhausted the water will be clear.
6. Allow it to cool nice and slowly.
7. Carefully rinse and spin or drip dry.

2: Dyeing in a microwave

Here's a simple microwave method suitable for dyeing 100g (dry weight) of fibre at a time. Remember to pre soak your fibre before you begin.

1. Pour a small amount of pre-prepared dye stock into a smaller container (ramekin dishes or large yoghurt pots are ideal). Use 2 - 5 colours or mix new ones!
2. Place the damp fibre onto a sheet of plastic cling film and lay out.
3. Using a plastic syringe or dropper bottle add some of the dye stock to a portion of fibre. Add sufficient dye to almost saturate the fibre but avoid adding  too much as the excess will drain onto the cling film.
4. Repeat using different colours until the fibre is covered. You can either overlap colours when going from one colour to the next or leave a small section of fibre uncovered... it's up to you!
5. Roll the fibre in the cling film sealing the long edge but leaving the ends open. Place into a small plastic bag (optional) and then onto a microwave suitable dish with a lid - a glass casserole dish is ideal.
6. Heat at a minimum setting for 10 minutes.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Remove fibre then gently rinse and spin or drip dry.

3: Dyeing in a food steamer

Here's a simple recipe suitable for dyeing 100g (dry weight) of fibre at a time. Remember to pre soak your fibre before you begin.

1. Pour a small amount of the pre-prepared dye stock into a smaller container (ramekin dishes or large yoghurt pots are ideal). Use 2 - 5 colours or mix new ones!
2. Place the damp fibre onto a sheet of plastic cling film and lay out.
3. Using a plastic syringe or dropper bottle add some of the dye solution to a portion of fibre.  Add sufficient dye to almost saturate the fibre but avoid adding too much as the excess will drain onto the cling film.
4. Repeat using different colours until the fibre is covered.  You can either overlap colours when going from one colour to the next or leave a small section of fibre uncovered... It's up to you!
5. Roll the fibre in the cling film sealing the long edge and tying the ends of the film in a knot. Place into a small plastic bag and seal with a knot.  
6. Place into the steamer and stea for at least 45 minutes.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Remove fibre then gently rinse and spin or drip dry.

How can I learn more?

Dyeing is great fun but it is really an art that requires knowledge and experience to achieve consistent results. Having said that it is often it's the mistakes that produce the prettiest results so don't be afraid to experiment!

I offer private 1 to 1 tuition at my small studio in the Vale of Evesham. There are also plenty of helpful books plus lots of advice available on the internet. Enjoy!

Buy dyes here