Dip Dyeing Yarn: Creating Multicolored Yarn in the Microwave with Food Coloring

[morelovecandoo365]

could I do this on a cotton shirt?



[sandry3080]

@morelovecandoo365 No. This method will work for animal fibers (sheep wool, alpaca and others) not plant or synthetic fibers. You will want to look at commercial dyes for a cotton shirt.

[angelofdeathstyle]

how do u dye 100% acrylic yarn with ink

[sandry3080]

@angelofdeathstyle You need to purchase some commercial dyes to dye acrylic yarn. The dye should say on the package whether it works to dye acrylic. Good luck!

[ChemKnitsBlog]

@titaborges411 I'm glad it worked! I've dyed a lot of 20% wool, 80% acrylic (Lion Brand Wool Ease) with food coloring over the years. As far as I know this should work as long as you have some wool fibers. To dye 100% acrylic and other fibers (like cotton etc) you would need commercial dyes.

[ChemKnitsBlog]

@titaborges411 I have never spun any yarn, but I have been able to dye many different kinds of purchased yarn as long as there is some wool in the fiber. (I have successfully dyed some 20% wool 80% acrylic yarn in the past) If you want to dye 100% acrylic yarn, you need to use different kinds of dyes - these stove top/microwave methods with food coloring/koolaid won't work.

[isadfaith]

Great Job , Thanks.

[sandry3080]

@hotdog1997 - I have never had the yarn burn in the microwave, but there is enough water in with the yarn that the water never boils off. I have even microwaved wet yarn wrapped in plastic wrap when handpainting yarn, and have never had a problem with burning. If you're concerned, microwave for short periods at a time. Good luck!