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| Dyeing in Plastic Bags | |
Instructions Weigh the dry fiber and set aside. We are not trying for perfection here so close to ounces will be fine. Remember wool and other protein fibers can be re-dyed or over-dyed if you don’t like the result. Decide on the depth of shade and indicate with the marker on the plastic bag the amount of dye stock you are adding. Add the acid (either vinegar or citric acid) to the bag and put in about 2 cups of water. The amount of water is not critical. This water serves to circulate the dye stock and to keep the fiber in water; it does not change the depth of shade. Add the fiber to this liquid and let soak at least 20 minutes. You can also add a little detergent and some salt but it won’t be critical. If you wish to add more fiber, just remember to keep the dye stock solution in the same ratio. For example, one ounce fiber, 1 tablespoon dye stock solution or 3 ounces of fiber then 3 tablespoons dye stock solution. Put about one cup of water in the measuring cup and measure the amount of dye stock you desire. A rough gauge to get started:
Remember this is just a starting place or a jumping off guide; you should feel free to experiment. There are many variables such as the type of fiber and the minerals in the water and make it impossible to promise an exact color. That said, if you always use the same method, you will get very similar results using acid dyes. Not the exact as in the same dye lot, of course, just close. Pour the liquid with the dye stock into the plastic bag with the acid water and the wetted fiber. Partially close the plastic bag leaving a small opening so built up steam can escape. Choose one of the following means to bring the fiber up to 180 degrees of heat. After the heating time is complete, allow the fiber to cool down in the plastic bag. The longer the better—overnight is perfect. Microwave: Heat the bag for 5 minutes, rest for one minute, turn the bag and then heat again for 5 minutes. (You may need the bag in another container so dye doesn’t spill.) Steel or enamel pan of water on stove or burner: Put the bag (s) in the water and slowly bring the water temperature up to 180 degrees and simmer for a minimum of 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the fiber cool—up to overnight—in the bag. The dye should be exhausted. Electric Roaster: Add water to the roasting pan and put the bag(s) on a rack or set on some crumpled aluminum foil. Set the temperature for 350 for 30 minutes. Cool down completely. Crock Pot: Add water and put the bag(s) in and slowly heat using the high setting. This will take approximately 1 hour. Using the above instructions the dye stock should be completely exhausted. Very dark shades may not exhaust completely. Wash very gently—we don’t want felt—in a mild detergent such as Dawn or Orvus. Rinse until water is clear – add vinegar to final rinse. The above instructions can be used to dye any color you can mix. Just remember the number of tablespoons of dye stock for your desired shade. If you want medium purple, for example, and have one ounce of fiber you might start with ½ tablespoon of red and ½ tablespoon of blue. That will total 1 tablespoon per 1 ounce that you put in with water.
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