Exploring the Art & Science of Hand-Dyed Yarns

Hand-dyeing yarn is both a science and an art form, and we love sharing the beauty of naturally vibrant, richly saturated fibers with our community. Whether you’re a knitter, weaver, or simply a lover of textiles, we hope our yarns inspire creativity and appreciation for the craft.

A Love for Color

At Wild Rose Sheep Farm, we love the process of transforming raw wool into vibrant, hand-dyed yarns. We’ve deepened our understanding of dyeing through a long-standing collaboration with Cheryl Kamera, a friend and chemist with a wealth of experience. Once a month, for ten years, we explored various dye classes, testing different fabrics and fibers to uncover the intricacies of color application. We tested all dye classifications and now use our book of samples to study and replicate. 

The Science Behind Dyeing

Dyeing is a fascinating balance of science and artistry. One of the key lessons we learned early on is that different fiber types require different dyes. Protein fibers, like wool, react best with acid dyes, while cellulose fibers, such as linen and rayon, work with fiber-reactive dyes. Acid dyes require an acid-based fixative (or mordant) like citric acid and salt, which ensures colorfastness and durability.

The Dyeing Process

Our process begins with soaking the yarn to prepare it for the dye bath. The yarn is dyed by percentage—meaning we carefully weigh the fiber/yarn and calculate how much dye is needed for consistency and repeatability. While the yarn soaks in a bucket of regular water, acid is added to another. Then the yarn is moved into the acid water. After 20 minutes, the dye is added and sits for another 20 minutes at which time we slowly increase the temperature until it reaches 190 degrees where it then stays for an hour. Keeping the heat at this temperature for about an hour allows the fiber to fully absorb the color.

Exploring Botanical Prints & Wearables

Beyond traditional dyeing, we’ve also experimented with botanical printing, a technique that involves mordanting cloth, placing leaves on the fabric, rolling it tightly, and applying heat to release natural pigments. These methods have led us to create stunning wearables and artistic textile pieces.

Safety First

Mixing dyes requires careful handling, and wearing a mask is always a good idea to avoid inhaling fine dye particles. While dyeing is an enjoyable and rewarding process, respecting the chemistry behind it ensures safety and longevity for both the fiber and the dyer.

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Stay tuned for more insights into our farm-to-fiber journey, and happy stitching!