Dyeing Yarn

One of my other favorite yarn-related activities is dyeing yarn. I never thought I would try it because I thought that potentially dangerous chemical dyes were my only option. I didn't want to mess with chemicals or other dyes. Then I found the world of food-safe dyes.

The first thing I discovered was Kool-Aid dyes. It was so cool that a drink mix could turn my yarn colors and it would be permanent! I dyed the first time with Grape Kool-Aid, but unfortunately I didn't quite use enough to make a bright color. I still like it since it turned out as a lavender color. I don't have any pictures for that.

Then I started experimenting with Wilton Gels to add some different colors. I started with a base of Kool-Aid and added Wilton over top.

Here's Patons Classic Wool dyed with Iced Blue Raspberry overdyed with some Violet and Royal Blue/Teal. It's supposed to be self-striping.


This time I used Black Cherry Kool-Aid and some Violet Wilton Gels to make a variegated yarn. The base is Hope Spinnery Wind Spun in the color Hash.


Not bad, right? It's so much easier than I thought. There are tons of great tutorials out there, such as this one on the Knitty website. Has anyone else tried food color dyeing?

Alison