need help with dying cotton yarn - needs to be easy

[jrabbit]

I bought 12 skeins of sugar'n cream ivory yarn from a thrift store.

I'd like to dye this yarn some nice colors. Where do I start? I've only ever dyed with Rit, but I know better than to use that for this project. I need something that will withstand baby-chewing and laundering in machine. ... and be EASY ...

I'm crocheting baby toys these days, and I'm using sugar'n cream on projects like these. My baby does love them, so I'm making more items for gifs now.

I'm in Houston. Not sure what my options are for buying supplies local ...

--janis

[Noelle C.]

Are you sure it's cotton yarn, not a synthetic or blend? Also what colors are you thinking?

[cristeen]

To dye cotton yarn, you'll need a dye specifically for cotton. Check out Dharma Trading for their dyes. The actual process is easy enough, but you'll have to spend a little for the equipment.

If you can get a tie-dye kit locally, that would work also. I know the big drug store with a craft section carries those... they're intended for dyeing cotton tees, but it will work on any cotton.

You also may need to hank and wash up that yarn first to remove the finish on it - probably 2 hot washes at least, since the finish may prevent the dye from sticking.

[jrabbit]

yes, sugar'n cream is all-cotton.

ANY color, but prefer colors of fruits & veggies.

[jrabbit]

Originally Posted by cristeen

You also may need to hank and wash up that yarn first to remove the finish on it - probably 2 hot washes at least, since the finish may prevent the dye from sticking.

Can I do that in machine? not sure how to 'hank' the yarn ... I don't mind buying dye at Dharma, but what equipment do you mean?

thanks!

[jrabbit]

wow - don't know why I didn't google FIRST!

http://yarngear.blogspot.com/2006/08...tton-yarn.html

[flapjack]

If you want solid colours, immerse the yarn in a bowl of dye for a while (12-72 hours) and then add the soda ash.

It's also worth checking out www.pburch.net/dyeing for other ideas on techniques

[4evermom]

I scored some white cotton at a thrift store, too. I figured I'd knit it up first, then dye it...

[jrabbit]

Originally Posted by 4evermom

I scored some white cotton at a thrift store, too. I figured I'd knit it up first, then dye it...

the projects I'm making - need to dye first.