Dyeing

Sometimes you don’t want a solid color when you are dyeing yarn. It is possible to achieve gradated color when dyeing at home. In our Gradated Dyeing Tutorial, we demonstrate the technique using a finished scarf knit in our Bare yarn. This method can be used on either yarn or a completed project.

Jacquard Acid Dyes bring rich, beautiful color to our Bare yarns. Best of all, you get to choose the color you want! You can create custom-colored yarn to personalize your knitting to the fullest extent. For detailed instructions on using the Jacquard Dyes, please read our Jacquard Acid Dyeing Tutorial.

An inexpensive way to dye yarn is to use concentrated, unsweetened drink mixes such as Kool-Aid. This method is great for kids as it uses no chemical and produces terrific, bright colors. For small quantities of yarn, you can use your microwave, for larger quantities, your stovetop will fit the bill. Read more in our detailed Kool-Aid Dyeing Tutorial.

Tea dyeing is another inexpensive way to add some subtle color to our Bare yarns. Black teas are particularly effective in acquiring skin-tone colors for knitted dolls such as Lula.

How to tea dye:

Soak 100 grams of Bare yarn in lukewarm water. Squeeze the yarn gently to release air bubbles and to make sure the water permeates the yarn completely. Fill an 8 quart saucepan 2/3 full with water. Add 8 teabags (any basic, unflavored black tea will do). Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Scoop out the tea bags and discard. Gently submerse the pre-soaked Bare yarn in the tea water. Stir very gently to release any air pockets from the yarn. Let the yarn sit in the tea bath for 30 minutes, or until the tea has cooled to room temperature. The yarn will come out a very light tan color. Rinse the yarn thoroughly in cool water. Squeeze water out gently, then roll the yarn in a towel and walk on the rolled up towel to press out more water. Hang the yarn to dry overnight.