Dyeing Cotton Yarn to Weave Dishtowels-Fiber Reactive Dyes-8/2 Maysville Cotton Experimenting!

[@elysianfibres1642]

When I dye cotton, I use low-immersion dyeing. The reactive dye reacts with both the water and the cotton. So, the less water you use the less it will react with the water. Also, the dye starts reacting with the water/fibre as soon as it comes into contact with it. Make sure that the dye never comes into contact with soda ash before it hits the cotton, as it will react with the water immediately. Once the dye has reacted with the water, it can't react with the fibre, and that will require a lot of rinsing. It's important to rinse once or twice in cold water. Then, I put it on the stove and rinse it in boiling water - at least twice. The hotter the rinse water is the fewer times you'll need to rinse. It is very different to dyeing with acid dyes, but the effects you can get with reactive dyes are amazing. The colours are very vibrant and extremely wash/light fast. I encourage you to experiment with your fibre-reactive dyes and your plant fibres. I'm sure you'll get some awesome results! :) For more tips, there's some great info on pburch (dot) net.

[@dominiquemichaud7945]

I second this! The amount of water is important, as is the pH. That website saved my first plant-dyeing projects!

[@emmasmom60]

So, after soaking your fibre in the soda ash, would it be better to have no extra water in the pan that you are dyeing your plant fibre in? Just the water that you need to mix the dye?

[@elysianfibres1642]

@@emmasmom60 I usually soak in soda ash solution for 30 mins and then squeeze out the water and apply freshly made-up dye solution. If I want to use more water, then I add 3 parts salt (sodium chloride) to one part soda ash. The salt is important when using more water because it helps to prevent the dye from reacting with the water. When the yarn is just damp after having the soda ash solution squeezed out, salt isn't necessary because there's very little water for the dye to react with. Some people like to use urea, which helps the dye to dissolve better. And some blues work very well with Glauber's salt instead of common salt.

[@mikeadams9559]

@@elysianfibres1642 Thanks for the tips. I'm about to make my first foray into dyeing a cotton warp with Procion MX dyes!

[@paulasmith4933]

Ok. First: soak cotton in soda ash water as dry fiber not wet!! Second : spin out as much as of the soda ash water as possible. 3rd: place cotton on plastic film in circle is fine. 4th: mix dyes as directed in dhrama instructions. 5th: work dye into cotton slowly with gloved hand. Added more dye as you work your way around skein. Lifting and looking for missed spots. Next: when pleased wrap up in the plastic and place in zip lock bag for 24 to 48 hours. In a warm place is nice. Last step: rinse in cold running water! This is important. You are rinse out the soda ash first. Then very hot water with soap, I like dhrama's. Let sit in hot water for awhile. Next rinse in hot water until clear, wringing out each time. Professional dyers boil the cotton yarn to remove all the loose dye. I throw cotton material in washer for hot water wash. It is color fast and will not fade!! I have tie dye shirts that still have good color for 20 years!!

[@DrofJustice]

Feeling super grateful for whoever dyes the cotton colors I get 😂. I don’t know that I could muster the patience you demonstrate. Wow.❤

[@GirlScoutLoriC]

You are either brave or very determined! A full box of cotton and not sure if you will get the result you like. I admire your persistence and patience.

[@morgankilkenny1895]

Thank you for explaining the lint problem you've had with the Maurice Brassard cotton. I know you always mention that you prefer the Maysville, but I don't have any recollection of you saying specifically the problem you'd had with the MB. I also appreciate knowing that the Valley is a good backup. And generally, thank you SO MUCH for doing this series. For those of us that have a hard time getting past "what if I screw it up," it's so helpful to watch you experiment and figure it out. I know you'll get it right, and I'll feel so much more equipped to follow along having understood your struggles.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I think I'll get a process I feel good about eventually, and if that helps someone else, that's the best! You're welcome!

[@sarahfaylucy6492]

I love when you're doing experiments that you walk us through all of your steps and you don't leave out when you're disappointed by the results.

[@rheaskye3056]

I love "let's find out" videos.

[@holly3442]

I love that you share with us all your trial and opps’s, you keep it real!

[@scriptgoddess]

Now this is my jam! I want to hear the good and disappointing. I want to hear how, using your experience, you trouble shoot!! Can't wait for the next installment!!

[@aliciazdavis7674]

I'm so happy to see you back to making tutorial videos! I've missed it.

[@jackiebrown7859]

I had never even thought about dying dishtowel cotton.

[@technicaltea228]

Whenever I dye cotton yarn, I use the RIT dyes that are usually used for tye-dying shirts. Maybe that would work better for you. The process I use is table salt dissolved in boiling water, add the yarn, let it soak over night. Add dye after the overnight soak. Then I let it soak for another day, then heat set it in the dye bath. A bunch still rinses out, but the color stays a lot better and is deeper. Just a thought, hope it helps. Good luck on your dyeing adventures!

[@katlynkoester]

Dying plant fibers seems more frustrating. But I like the idea of creating the colors specifically for a project.

[@redmonika10]

Reminds me of my trial and error with food dye and wool. I finally axed that experiment and did it with real dye. If this process doesn't work, try again. I've had cotton come straight from a cone, make the nicest dish towels and after the first wash with the gentlest laundry soap all the red bleed into the white and yellow I used. You can do it! Keep trying!

[@ritaorr766]

It's a work in progress. Thanks for showing us this.

[@Andracrafts]

Thanks for sharing your experiments with us. I tried some natural dying early on in my fiber journey - black beans and onion skins, separately, but only ever on wool. It looks like cotton is a whole different ballgame. Lots of great suggestions in the comments. I can't wait to see what happens on your next attempt!

[@TLL65]

Yay! A weaving series!! Can’t wait!

[@128titanic]

Thank you very much.♥️♥️.

[@QueenAnneKnitsandSews]

I haven’t tried dying cotton yarn but I have done ice dying on cotton. What I have learned is it takes less water and more dye than you think and definitely more than protein fiber. The soda ash to water ratio is pretty standard. Maybe try mixing your dye with the soda ash water and applying it to damp yarn. That’s how I ice dye. The dye doesn’t strike fast so the color has time to absorb without getting streaks.

[@IJRoz]

I loved watching and experiencing this experiment of yours. Interesting comments added as well.

[@tattercandy]

i did some cotton dyeing this year , did natural dyeing , got the fiber cleaned and ready for dyeing . after the dyeing i did not rise , let it dry and after one week then rise it . found that the color was so much better

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you! I got so much stuff to try. I'll get there!

[@donnalougher9059]

I think that would make some awesome dish towels.

[@kathycostello4104]

Trish, dharma has a soap called synthropol that makes dyed items stop bleeding. I dyed cotton fabric a lot 20 years ago when I quilted. You need more dye and less water. I will see if I can find more info for you. This is a great adventure to be on with you. Hang in there!

[@beckyshook3526]

Can't wait to see how this works up

[@sharonweitendorf1712]

Your dyeing videos are so interesting

[@cris001kay]

The reason for the pale color might be that fiber reactive dyes have a limited life once opened. They’re best used within a year of opening or within a couple of years of purchase.

[@sylvanwoods5271]

I love how the color turned out, and look forward to seeing how things go as your project progresses!

[@carrietreder8474]

I love that you experiment so that I don’t have the days of waiting to see what happened. 😂 Thanks! I’m sorry it didn’t turn out like you wanted, it sounds like dyeing cotton requires even more chemistry than dyeing wool, and I’m grateful that I don’t use cotton that much. I imagine though, that once you’ve got it down, a hand-dyed warp would be gorgeous!

[@jannelleglover2150]

This was an interesting watch Thank you!

[@ChanelBlanc15]

Oh wow! Thanks for taking us with you on your journey of dyeing cotton! That’s so fascinating!!

[@Rowanstarr]

Love the blue

[@LisaMyEclecticLife]

I have not dyed cotton yarn yet, but I have a bunch I would like to dye, so I am excited to watch your videos as you go through your experiments on this. Blessings.

[@candygrubisic]

I know for shirts they soak overnight in the soda ash water like you did for the cotton yarn so you would think that would have worked. Good luck on the next round!!!

[@CrazyMountain_Fiberworks]

Awesome I like these videos where you are trying newish things and letting us come along.

[@elizabethernest]

Thank you for taking us along on this journey with you! This is so fascinating and you are making me less afraid of dyeing cotton already, even though I won't get around to trying this myself for a while still. Just remember what you tell us, that since you didn't quit, you didn't fail and it's just one step in your success journey. 😊😊❤❤

[@fancyweasel5726]

Nice demo, thanks!

[@crazybird6821]

Thank you Trish for the experiments. I have issues dyeing protein fibers even though I have watched your videos and followed your process. There's a specific teal color that I'm trying to get and with yet no success. Thank you for you perseverance and inspiration.

[@eqrain21]

I've had a few dye mishaps myself. One was natural dying. I didn't realize that the colors I was getting were fugitive until after I did it and I was pretty upset. I also used stems and leaves of a plant so I didn't get the color I expected, it was a bland shade of brown. At this point I don't know that I ever want to touch natural dying again even though I bought special materials for it. It feels like too much work for very unexpected results and a ton of info to know. The closest I may get is trying indigo dying at some point. Another was dying mint fiber. I had some blue Procion dye that I used but it had gone bad and so the fiber didn't take the dye except a small ting of blue. I ended up getting Rit dye for the parts I wanted blue instead since I didn't want to travel an hour to get new dye or wait for an order online to come. It worked out fine and gave me the blue I was looking for but I will definitely be more mindful when using fiber reactive dyes in the future now that I know they can expire.

[@jenthulhu]

When I tie-dye cotton t-shirts with Dharma fiber reactive dyes, I wash them first, then soak them in a soda ash solution and then wring out all of the excess water with the spin cycle on my washer. Then I fold the tees and squirt the dye on. (My dye is in plastic squirt bottles.) Once I have them the way I like, I wrap them up individually in plastic bags or saran wrap to keep them from drying out while they cure. After a day or two, I rinse. My colors are always vibrant. I think that the problem you're having is too much water. The soda-ash-soaked yarn should be nearly dry. I think it's possible that the soda ash in the water bath in your pan is reacting with the dye before it even gets to the fiber. I'd wring out the skeins after their alkaline soda ash bath and squirt concentrated dye directly on the yarn. Then wrap it up in plastic. The cure time is critical. Waiting 24 to 48 hours is hard but necessary. You get more fading if you rinse too soon. That should work better for you. Someone in the comments said your dyes could be bad due to age. I disagree. Once you mix fiber reactive dye with water they do lose their potency fairly quickly (a couple of days). You can't store premixed fiber reactive dye like you can acid dye for protein fibers. But in dry form? I would think they'd be usable for decades. Just my 2 cents. I don't think dying cellulose fibers is harder--it's just a very different animal. It's like starting over. Nothing you learned from dying with acid dyes will help much except for maybe color theory.

[@carolineleeking]

While doing research into natural dying, I noticed that when dying cellulose fibers, many will soak fiber in a tannin bath at about 12% WOF overnight then soak in an alum/soda ash bath--15% WOF/2% WOF, again overnight. This is after scouring. Scouring is also done with a soap and soda ash mixture. Not sure if this process helps with acid dyes, but might be worth a try for better color fastness. Loving learning from your journey!

[@avalontampsett5023]

Well done, I never for dying cotton.

[@katerinakemble4861]

I’m just getting into working with cotton.

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

I would suggest using Synthrapol as a pre wash and maybe check with Dharma Trading Co. about the shelf life of their dyes because you should be getting deeper colors for sure. 🧶

[@melaniereising5661]

I don’t think I’ll dye my warp yarn but I am going to weave a rug! I have so much fabric to use up!

[@paulasmith4933]

I have dyed cotton for years.

[@jessicagerig3718]

Your glasses are so cute! Can’t wait to see how the towels weave up.

[@nariseconnor7775]

I just wove some dish towels on a peg loom with some cotton I dyed with RIT dye… I only rinsed it once 😅I guess we’ll see how it comes out

[@georgewallace6525]

Looks great! Plant fibers are a challenge. Know that dye baths for vibrant colors are extremely concentrated. Also there are other mordants that might work better, but know that they are extremely toxic. I find that heat does help, but not in the same way it helps animal fibers. Keep trying, you will find a system that will work for you.

[@lisabelfield1691]

Good luck with the next technique- So admire your patience ❤

[@tracybarger7822]

I love that you share your experiments. It is encouraging. Can’t wait to see the rest of the process

[@emmasmom60]

I like the colour of your dyed cotton, but boy the fibre reactive dyes are a PITA. I've only used them once on some kind of plant fibre and I felt the same way you did on the first go. Good luck with the next one. I'm looking forward to seeing how you manage it, Trish!

[@irinialexandridi3522]

I make kilims and rags on a traditional standing loom and I can't find the colours I like. I have found only one supplier in hole Greece. So I was thinking to try to dye my own colours... I will be waiting to see your videos. Thank you.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Same problems! I got so many suggestions on things to try, it might take me a while to feel like I have it figured out!

[@gerryivkovich1857]

Looking forward to the dishtowel videos. Blessings to you both.

[@simonebourque1061]

Fun to watch Trish! Thank you for everything!

[@jessicawright1656]

Thanks for sharing even though it didn't turn out the way you thought! I have not tried dying cotton. I do like the finished shade of blue.

[@Which-Craft]

oh! also, while i was trying to figure out the RHL, i was experimenting with pickup and got some nifty potential stuffs in texture instead of color. let me know if you want to see - i'll post on the fb tribe if you want

[@beverleylawton6899]

Thank you Trish. That was so interesting. I’m sure you’ll master it!! Look forward to the next video😊

[@m.inavalley]

I am so glad you did this video. I think I might try to naturally dye my cotton this next year. I can't wait to see how it will turn out but I hope to do a yellow.

[@JoyfulStitching]

TY loved that and reminded me of my fabric dyeing days :)

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

I've found it's easier to dye cotton in a slow cooker/crockpot as it's a slower heat. But your yarn turned out absolutely stunning, thanks for sharing trish lots of love and big virtual hugs xx

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

I also use salt not soda Ash xx hope this helps xx

[@sarahgrantjoriman3451]

Loved the video

[@kellykeller7800]

Soda ash is like your vinegar or Citric acid for wool. I used to dye bamboo which takes color wonderfully and prefer ice dying but it uses a lot of dye. Did you use fiber reactive dye or acid dyes. You can use either but are “supposed” to use fiber reactive

[@taniamitchell604]

I do like that really light blue (baby blue?).

[@rockinrobin1975]

Turned out so pretty!

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

Ugh... I feel like I'm far too messy to dye efficiently. Oh well. I like my tiles to look Jackson pollock-inspired.😅. I wish you could get effortless striking colors with natural dyes on cotton!!! I tried again with hibiscus, I read how some tried water with aloe leaf soaked as a mordant, it gave me a silver/grey from the moment I wrung it. It changed like a Baskin Robbins spoon in front of me!🤯

[@lonna9789]

THANK YOU for doing this Trish! I've been wanting to dye some of my cotton 8/2 & 8/4 cotton. Hoping this helps. I know cotton is harder to dye.

[@runtsgal]

I haven’t tried fibre reactive dyes before. It looks quite complicated 😮. I’m interested to see how the learning curve goes.

[@onepolishedmonkey1001]

Have you looked at Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas for 8/2 cotton? I normally buy all of my 8/2 from them and have never had issues with running out of colors I needed.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'll look, thank you! I was thinking they only had Maurice Brassard, and I have found it to be too linty, but I would love another resource.

[@paulasmith4933]

You want the cotton damp. Not wet! It is like a damp sponge. Damp sponge soaks up more!

[@Hood_Scale_Models]

Wow, how much did would you have to use to get a dark navy blue. The whole container?!! Keep up the good work, we love ya!

[@jirup]

No salt or urea? I suppose I should look at the playlist you linked.

[@howlingmoonfarm4030]

Interesting! I am not a fiber artist just a fan, but my background is in sewing and my question is for cotton why not use like a rit (sp?) Dye? That is the dye I would use for cotton fabrics so would it not work on cotton yarn? Thanks for the great video!!!

[@saragreenfield1648]

Do you know why plant fibers are trickier to dye? Like does dye just prefer to bind to the proteins in animal fibers rather than the cellulose of plant fibers?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

They just bond differently. I'm not really sure if it truly trickier, or just trickier for me because I have so little experience. I am also stressed about the dye that doesn't bind and gets rinsed away, so it's a little bit of a mental hurdle for me LOL

[@dawnjanz]

It needed more soda ash. I put the soda ash in the dye pot and let it all sit together

[@melaniecitrin3383]

Did you add any pdv salt? Or urea? Both recommended. Also maybe there was too much soda ash water left in the yarn or too little dye. Keep experimenting!

[@camillavestergaard9162]

You go Girl! I dyed both cotton and Tencel with procion and the colours came out deep Dark and vibrant. Plant fibers needs a completely different method so I suggest you research more before next experiment 😉 Soak Water has to be squeesed out so the fiber is nearly dry after soak and then place fiber on layers of plastic wrap. Dye is then applyed gently with squeeze bottles massage with plastic gloves on and then wrap securely no Air inside. I left it for 24 hours on my warm bathroom floor and had success since first try. Next time you’ll have a better result 😉

[@ritaseale2290]

I have the same swift, did you paint the edges or did it come that way? I love the mine and really like the fact you have options to make up several sizes of hanks.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

John bought unfinished and finished it for me.

[@leahholland6272]

Did you use retayne in your rinse process?

[@lesliewolff2365]

I've been thinking of dying my cotton yarn do you really need to use the dyes with soda ash?

[@kimbryan2014]

been my dilemma as well ....cotton dying not on my top ten list it does not turn out the way you want it to and uses way too much water

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Wow, never realised dyeing cotton would be so much harder than dyeing wool! Almost makes me wonder if dyeing with Indigo on cotton wouldn't be just as easy/hard... at least you wouldn't feel so guilty about the run off. Never tried, and Indigo dyeing is a bit of a hassle, so I am not saying it would be better. Just wondering...

[@camillavestergaard9162]

I find dyeing plant fibers much easier than dyeing wool, it is just important to use the correct method. Research and learn from others is the key.

[@sdances124]

Watched replay

[@LDSVenus]

that is a lot of work to dye cotton! It’s a pretty blue tho ;).

[@danielleh5911]

Oh man what a frustrating process!

[@lauramcd680]

I’m so excited to see cotton yarn dying. Thank you.

[@lauramcd680]

So I followed the link to Great Northern and ordered the 8/2 yarn. I’m confused because what I received is a two-ply crochet thread. From the video yours does not look that fine. But you did just snap pieces off to tie it off. Newer to weaving but was surprised on how fine this thread is. Yikes.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Hi Laura. Most cotton weaving yarns (and honestly other fibers too) bloom when washed. I double the 8/2 in my warp on a 12.5 dpi heddle and use it single as a weft. It will look like somewhat of an open weave under tension but after you wash it, it is a perfect dish towel

[@lauramcd680]

Thank you so much for that info. And quick response. I feel infinitely better and will forge ahead. I love watching you. So much of what you show I am able to use to some extent to step up my game. You are my hero.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

@@lauramcd680 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Which-Craft]

very similar to my first try dyeing flax, but with black beans....came out silver instead of blue or green boooo! i only dyed once tho, so maybe a few more tries for actual color? on the other hand, I bought a t-shirt dye kit so i would have to fiddle with the soda ash and might get something that stays...viscose is evil, but it's what i want...arrrrrrrrrrrrrr! (pirate style)

[@Which-Craft]

*wouldn't

[@ImGinaMarie]

Trish please watch the following video, it will explain the problems you encountered, kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnbZgnWiq82bnZI She uses plant dyes but the acids and alkaline prep is all the same; preparation of the fabric is EVERYTHING in dyeing as you know, however, your unknown mistake here is using Dawn(it is a detergent not a PURE SOAP) also using pure soap, soda ash and neutral ph water and boiling the cotton will release the dirt. Not washing the cotton properly is what prevented it from absorbing the dyes properly...as for water, it can vary widely with the location you live so using rainwater usually has a ph of 7(neutral) I hope you view her video, she's truly amazing, I wish i could visit her and learn more!! She also has another video that will explain more, this one is specific to textile dyeing...PS I make handmade soap which is made with lye, as you know lye is made from wood ash which is alkaline..that is all another topic but a tip of why SOAP instead of detergent is the key! PS2 Thanks for the warping bar, I love it!

[@katerinakemble4861]

Ps poor lorenzo 😢

[@stonewallsfarm3105]

Ugh! Cellulose fibers. I hate seeing all that dye rinse away (into the water system). I’m doing a job for someone who wants totally saturated dark color on silk and flax. Soda ash breaks down silk so I can’t leave it overnight. And acid dyes don’t strike on the flax, which would be fine in a paler color but not working for this. The dye in an acid bath just won’t clear and after 10 rinses, is still unacceptable. I have test skeins everywhere moderately in her color way. If anyone asks me to dye a tough fiber blend in the future, the answer is no. Just no. Or just shoot me. Pretty blue btw! Venting. Sorry.