My Dye Process - Littlebean Loves Yarn

Welcome to the Littlebean and Me Podcast channel! I get frequent questions about my dye process, so I thought I would show the general process from start to finish. I hope you enjoy! :) As always, information and timestamps below, and don't forget to subscribe to get notifications when i upload my next video! :) Hugs! and Happy Stitching!
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Microphone - Samson C01UPro
Computer - MacBook Pro (2015), 8gb RAM, 2.7gHz Intel Core i5
External Hard Drive - Seagate 3T Seagate
Software - Final Cut ProX
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[@dye2knit]

I appreciate how wonderfully generous you are with the information in your tutorial. I really enjoyed your patient, detailed teaching technique.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@lenabeth02]

Great explanation and perfect pace for a viewer to see what goes on without falling asleep! Thank you thank you!!

[@a.r.3476]

I love your passion about this, and the way you value yourself, and other artists! Your comment about "civilians" not understanding, or valuing the time and effort to create reminded me of a story I heard years ago. I don't remember all of the details anymore. A woman who made quilts, with all of the cutting, piecing, sewing, and handquilting involved, gave one of her quilts to...I think a family member. A while later, by accident, she saw that her quilt was being used to wrap furniture in the back of the car or truck. Yeah....

[@LittlebeanandMe]

thanks much for your thoughtful comment. i hope that's what comes across! I think it's valuable for an artist to really value their work, time and effort - and not everyone is "craft-worthy" - certainly, not every person appreciates the time and effort that goes into a hand craft, especially - knitting, crochet, sewing, cross-stitch, etc. etc. glad you enjoyed. hope you're staying well!

[@kellyfazekas7831]

I found this video fascinating. It also helps me understand why hand dyed yarn is expensive; it's a time consuming process!

[@deborahelle4801]

Quite a labour intensive process, after seeing this I'm more willing to pay extra for hand dyed yarn. Excellent video. 💕

[@arlomatthias6492]

instaBlaster.

[@christines1924]

Great video. I love your clear, matter-of-fact presentation without "fake" affectations in your voice to make it sound more interesting😁❤️

[@antonea808]

This looks so fun but wow theres so much to it. I appreciate your sharing this.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Thanks for watching!

[@PattymacMakes]

It's so labor intensive! Goodness. I dyed my first mini skein using a kit and I loved it. I'd like to do some for myself, but I don't know that I would ever want to do full production. Only if I had a dedicated space, and that's not going to happen any time soon! HA HA!! Thanks for sharing the reality of the process.

[@karenkingsbury2331]

Great video. Clear and precise! Just what I was after! Thanks

[@LittlebeanandMe]

You're welcome!

[@kathleenmcconnell95]

Beautifully described. Thanks for taking the time to show the steps.

[@EmOsPaZcAt666]

This was an awesome watch, I was always curious as to how people ended up dying their yarn. :3 thank you!! 💜

[@ginadrummond844]

Thank you so much for generously sharing your process! YOU are awesome! :)

[@deborahevans6393]

Loved your video! I wish you would've shown the finished dried yarn up close. This was fun to watch.

[@lesleyjohnson9474]

Great video! I've just started dying yarn for myself and love to see how others do it, I like to learn by watching. X

[@LittlebeanandMe]

have fun! :)

[@thewoolenhomestead]

That was so fun to see your dye process!!! 💕💕💕 I love how you are able to conserve so much water!!

[@LittlebeanandMe]

You’re so sweet 💗💗💗💗 thanks for watching 🤓

[@HousewifeInTheWoods]

I've just discovered ur podcast in the past 24 hrs and omgoodness ♡♡♡ really am enjoying it. ♡ ty ♡

[@teslah2997]

very interesting....good teaching.....beautiful colorway 👍🏻👏🏻

[@marythomas5886]

great video! very informative. First time I have seen the tonal and then speckle process. Cool!!

[@louisegarneau3914]

So good to see you more again! 😃 Thanks for your cool vidéos, I love them!👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Glad you enjoyed! It’s good to be back with a more frequent schedule!

[@loopandbar7451]

What a fab video, thank you so much for sharing your dyeing process, it was a lot of fun to watch (whilst knitting:) ) and I'm now looking forward to checking out more of your channel :) x Kate (Loop and bar podcast)

[@LittlebeanandMe]

aww!! Thanks Kate! You're so sweet! I've been meaning to check out your podcast for a while - i follow you on IG. :) so off I go to your channel! Glad you enjoyed :) hugs!

[@ooohlaa13]

lovely teaching, thanx, so what should the ph be on the test strip, what value?

[@4Luwana]

How fun! thank you so much for sharing. Someday I'm going to MAKE THE TIME to do some of this on my own stuff at home.

[@cmaur811]

Could not live without my spin dryers.

[@hurrayic]

Thank you so much for sharing your process. I'm thinking of trying my hand at this. Do you have a video or place where you link to resources - (I know about dye) but places for buying yarn in bulk and the tools you use? Maybe an Amazon link (affiliate)? Spin dryer (never heard of one of these) and your skein winder?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

The skein winder is a crazy monkey 2 skein - the spin dryer I purchased on Amazon. That model in the video is not made anymore - I bought a similar one recently to replace that one. For yarn, there are many places to buy skeins. You can purchase through dharma, knitpicks, woold2dye4, yarnundyed etc. it depends on your location (usa or abroad) budget, or how much you are dyeing at once. Rebecca over at Chemknits channel discusses these things a lot, and is actively posting also - she’s also a great resource! Happy dyeing :)

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Does the towel keep the spin dryer from walking and spinning about? Mine I have to stand and hold it in place. It’s a Panda 3500 rpm. Love it but it walks and it’s 5 minutes standing there while it spins!

[@LittlebeanandMe]

my spin dryer in this video had a leak under the drum from when it was shipped to me. I actually just recently replaced it, and i dont' need to use a towel. it may help with walking if your panda doesn't have rubber feet on the bottom.

[@nadinedonovan989]

I want to start doing this😊

[@mickiwhite4754]

Indie dyers are the best!

[@auntpurl5325]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing ☺

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Thanks, Denelle! Hope you're doing well!

[@stephaniewinters1399]

This is a very informative video! Thanks.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SequoiaMakes]

Could you give me the name of the soap you use to wash after dyeing? I had a hard time understanding what you were saying and I don't see the info in the description anywhere.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

you can use dish soap, or a wool wash - i've used eucalan the most - some people like Unicorn, or Soak. they come scented or unscented - but on hand dyed yarns i always recommend using unscented products

[@jgperez6261]

One of the most nicer video ever... thank you for share! I’m an amateur yarn Dyer, sometimes I have luck, sometimes not so much Hahahaha. I have a few questions, when you soak the fiber before dye, do you use anything for the soaking or just water? What kind of Dye Do you use and Does vinegar can be used too? Have a great day and thank you again for share.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

I don't use anything in my soak for the bases i'm currently dyeing. That can vary though based on your fiber content, or your desired effects when you're applying the dye to your yarn. I use professional quality acid dyes but if you're just starting out and experimenting for yourself, you can use food coloring or kool aid - and use vinegar as your acid source. Thanks for watching, and happy dyeing!

[@jgperez6261]

Awesome, thank you so much. Keep it doing Good dye. 😊

[@Cat-qz9tu]

Please!! Where can I get the pans? I tried referencing a pic but came up w sinks...😄 thanks

[@LittlebeanandMe]

i grabbed these on amazon - they're stainless steel restaurant pans

[@Cat-qz9tu]

@@LittlebeanandMe thanks I went to amazon and checked.

[@Colorado106]

great video, you are awesome, very natural!

[@coridiaz1245]

Such a great job it's very informational. Where do you buy yarn in such large quantity in skeins if you don't mine me asking? It seems like most yarns are wound up already which you have to unravel.I looked in the comments below and I didn't see that information. Thanks in advance.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

i purchase mine wholesale, with large minimums on how many kilos. For most, you can find bare yarns through knitpicks on a per-skein basis, or through Dharma Trading Co.

[@jilllindfield2187]

Thankyou so much for your video, may I ask if you wash your yarn with a detergent prior to dyeing?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

I don't - i use a superwash yarn most of the time while dyeing. i just ensure that the yarn is fully soaked and saturated prior to dyeing. this is super important if you're dyeing other protein fiber like silk.

[@jilllindfield2187]

Littlebean and Me ohhh, I was under the assumption that I needed to wash it with detergent too 😆

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Depends on your yarn manufacturer and what they recommend. In either case yarn gets washed after dyeing is done :)

[@jilllindfield2187]

Littlebean and Me ohhhhh,,,, I was thinking it had to be washed first to ensure the dye takes well 😬

[@katheard262]

Thank you for sharing!

[@nickywebb7534]

When I use blue dye it bleeds for ages in the rinse. Do you have this issue?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

it could be a factor of a few things - your water type (hard/soft), how long/acidic your setting period was - also the amount of dye. you may have too much dye in your dyebath, and what is rinsing is extra. if you're rinsing and it never stops bleeding that could be issues with how much acid/heat/what your water type is affecting the bind of the dye.

[@nickywebb7534]

@@LittlebeanandMe thank you for replying. I’m pretty sure Iv fixed the issue, too much acid dye. It’s fine now thank you :)

[@afkeyes]

As a rule of thumb, whenever you add a new dye, you give it about 20 minutes on the heat to set?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Yes, depending on my method of dyeing. If i'm doing many layers, i may not go through the whole 20 if the dye is fully exhausted as it will be continuing on the heat during additional layers. I keep track in my dye journal for different recipes and different colors, and the manufacturer recommendation for processing.

[@jamiewilson3620]

My back burners are smaller than the front ones. Would I be able to use one of those pans and just have it turned the opposite way?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

my burners are different sizes as well. I'm sure you could put them whatever way you think will heat the most evenly!

[@carolyn_r]

Clear and concise video. Many thanks! Where'd you get that drying rack? It's more of a European style that I haven't seen anywhere!

[@LittlebeanandMe]

I found it on amazon - it wasn’t too bad for price, and especially with the amount I can fit on it!

[@carolyn_r]

thanks!

[@wendyellis6402]

Fascinating to watch! I have six 350 yd/50g skeins of undyed Jade Sapphire cashmere/silk I’ve been wanting to dye in a gradient series. Never having dyed yarn before, I find your video very helpful. Thanks for being so generous with your time and talent 😊 Since I don’t have all the equipment you do, I am considering using six one-qt Mason jars - one for each 50g skein. Is this something you have done, or can recommend?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

of course you can! If you're using acid dyes, you need to keep them separate from food - if you're using food dyes/koolaid - they will be food safe after use. have fun!

[@falconmossgiannini6664]

I have a question on the the exact pan depth? are they the 4 in or 2 1/2 in depth. Also are you using a gas stove or electric? I just subscribed and am going to look to see if you have packaging process video? Ie explaining the deets on labels, packages choices and etc. Thank you for this video it was very information as I have also never seen the spin dryer.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

These are 4". If you're going to do a bit more immersion, i'd recommend the deeper pans (6"), or use a pot. I have 20qt, 10qt and 6qt pots dedicated to dye work. I don't have a video on packaging - it's really up to personal preference. tags or belly bands - bagging options etc. It's all up to you.

[@lesliethurman7717]

What kind of soap do you use?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

for washing yarn i use an unscented wool wash, usually eucalan or similar.

[@cmaur811]

Do you have a link to where you bought the covered boxes and unit you keep your dyes in ?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Hey Carol! It's an Iris Scrapbooking container shelf. Here's the amazon link to the product :) www.amazon.com/IRIS-6-Drawer-Scrapbook-Organizer-White/dp/B00ISOMBPM/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1538777953&sr=1-1&keywords=iris+scrapbook+cart

[@elisenavidad5]

Thank you for sharing this! Would you mind also sharing where you found your pans? I’ve had a really hard time finding some. Thanks!

[@LittlebeanandMe]

amazon!

[@Gaalhway]

Loved it! It was so very informative 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@jeanmorin895]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@Tariaswen]

Wow. Amazing to see how you dye. What is the name of the soap you use?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

I use unscented eucalan wool wash :) Thanks for watching!

[@HurleysHandDyed]

Where do you purchase that soap

[@jjbing3]

😌thank you

[@LittlebeanandMe]

You’re welcome 😊

[@mathalexe3958]

HI what is the level of the heat??

[@LittlebeanandMe]

mid-range heat - enough to be a slight simmer - but depends on your stove. i'm on an electric coil top in this video

[@dainka65]

oMG! where is the link for the drying rack? what did you clean your sink with to rinse dyed yarnb? What is the depth of the pans you use...so glad you gave times and amount you used. how much citric acid? is it better than vinegar? omg...I have so many questions...but let me start here.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

the drying rack i got was this one www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Q4W7LH/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 but it's not available anymore. there may be similar items out there as well. I use 4" pans, generally. time varies for dyeing - and citric acid as well. you're aiming for a low pH so the dyes can bind to the fibers. Citric acid is more concentrated than vinegar (acetic acid vs. citric acid) so you need a smaller amount to change the pH of the water. Not better, or worse. they both do the same thing.

[@avaricrow9106]

I’ve been thinking bout getting into dyeing yarn what’s the best place to get yarn from

[@sfjortoft]

I have a question. Could I use the spin cycle on my washing machine instead of the spin dryer?

[@LittlebeanandMe]

of course! same principle. You'd just want to be sure the washer would spin only and not agitate or fill at all. Then you'd end up with a tangled mess!

[@lyndarella1316]

,What about the dye chemical and the fish tank. Thank you the video

[@LittlebeanandMe]

The fishtank is closed on top, and it gets wiped down on the outside before it gets opened again :) Don't worry, little Drogon the betta is all happy and cozy. :)

[@nadinedonovan989]

What brand of dye do you use?

[@fralou1]

Do you mix stock dyes? If so how is this done? Thank you for your informative video. Well done

[@LittlebeanandMe]

sometimes I do, but generally I don't store dye stock. If i'm going to mix stock, i'm going to do it when I need it. Since i dye in such small quantities, it's not hard for me to maintain it that way. All colors are different, but basically you're looking for a 1% DOS solution for the amount of fiber you're dyeing. So 100g=1g dye for a 1% DOS. then you alter from that point - meaning, a lighter shade you'll have less dye per 100g, and for a deeper shade you'd use more per 100g. I don't often weigh. a lot of my measurements are by divisions of a tsp (not as accurate), but for my applications, i'm OK with it.

[@fralou1]

Thank you so much for your reply. I was a bit confused by that 1% solution. I did do a bit of stock. I put 1/4 tsp dye in1 cup of water if I want the mix lighter I add more water. Seems to be ok.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Francine st-denis generally that’s what I do too! But technically it’s the 1% dos :)

[@fralou1]

Littlebean and Me ok sorry for asking but are you saying I’m doing it right lol? I’m just learning and thanks to people like you I’m learning more.

[@LittlebeanandMe]

Francine st-denis yep. If you’re liking what you’re getting out of your colors, there’s really no “wrong” way! 💗💗💗

[@jeanyounger-brown4043]

Could you list the names and origins of some of the products you use, such as the dye, the soap you use for rinsing, etc? Enjoyed your video! Very informative!

[@LittlebeanandMe]

I use acid dyes- mostly from Dharma. There are many companies that sell acid dyes - including Jacquard, and Prochem. A web search for acid dyes will get you many of the results you need. The soap i use is usually an unscented wool wash - Eucalan, usually. There are other washes on the market as well, Unicorn, Soak etc. I also make my own solid wool wash (also unscented). If you're just starting out dyeing i definitely recommend food dyes - and I definitely recommend also checking out Rebecca on the ChemKnits channel and her Facebook group. You can tell her I sent you ;) she is amazing and goes through the experimentation of dyeing and all about the chemical process. She has many videos on food dyes, and has begun this year going through techniques and experiments with Acid dyes as well. Good luck! Have fun!

[@jeanyounger-brown4043]

Littlebean and Me Thank you!

[@bethg7575]

Where do you buy your yarn from?

[@marynate3760]

Thank you!

[@blackpprs1893]

Thankyou for sharing :D!