Dye for Protein/Animal Fibers

Acid dyes are not nearly as scary as the name implies. It simply refers to the light acid mordant (usually white vinegar from the grocery store) used to set the dye. However, you should still take safety precautions when using dye. The main danger is inhalation of the powder. Once it is in liquid form it can dye or irritate the skin.

This dye is used for protein fibers and animal fibers such as wool, silk, angora, mohair, alpaca, and nylon.

The following instructions should be used as a guide only. There is a wealth of information on the Internet from experienced dyers. It may take some trial and error to produce your desired results given the fiber, dye strength, mordant, etc. You can view one of the most comprehensive dye guides online for free at Paula Burch's "All About Hand Dyeing"

Fiber should be soaked in an acid solution prior to dyeing or mixed with the dye for handpainting. The acid solution can be added to the water for immersion dyeing.

Use 1/2 tsp to 3 1/2 tsp dye powder per pound of fiber.

Light Color: Dissolve 1/2 tsp dye powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Add 1 pound of fiber to 3 1/2 gallons of water plus the dye mix for the immersion method. For handpainting, the dye mixture can be used straight or diluted with water to produce a lighter color.

Medium Color: Dissolve 1 1/2 tsp dye powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Add 1 pound of fiber to 3 1/2 gallons of water plus the dye mix for the immersion method. For handpainting, the dye mixture can be used straight or diluted with water to produce a lighter color.

Dark Color: Dissolve 3 1/4 tsp dye powder in 2 cup of boiling water. Add 1 pound of fiber to 3 1/2 gallons of water plus the dye mix for the immersion method. For handpainting, the dye mixture can be used straight or diluted with water to produce a lighter color.