Comments on iowaweaver: Dyeing Wool with Fiber Reactive Dyes

Yes you can. Just be sure to microwave your yarn f...

2011-12-19T07:16:49.567-08:00

Yes you can. Just be sure to microwave your yarn for bursts of about 1-2 minutes, let it rest for 1-2 minutes, and keep going like that until the dye is exhausted. Be careful not to burn your yarn! Let it cool down to room temperature before rinsing. You can use a microwave steaming bag to do this.

So, the next question is can you dye wool with the...

2011-12-18T11:13:18.238-08:00

So, the next question is can you dye wool with the fiber reactive dyes, vinegar, etc and put it in the microwave for the heat set?

Great to hear about your experiment. I have plenty...

2009-07-17T16:55:54.316-07:00

Great to hear about your experiment. I have plenty of experience and supplies for fiber reactive dyes but have been getting into spinning wool and really did not want to invest in a whole new dye set up just yet. I've had good results dyeing silk with fiber reactive dyes in the microwave, just skip the soda ash.

Hi Lynnette -
Yes, it's true. You can use Proci...

2009-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Lynnette -
Yes, it's true. You can use Procion dyes on silk and wool. The difference is you can't use soda ash for the fixer. You must use an acid - I use white vinegar. I haven't tried silk. I've read that the colors might shift on silk, but I am having gorgeous results with cream colored wool. The Dharma website has directions for using Procion dyes for silk and wool. Thanks for your comments!
Susan

Hi Sue,
Let me get this straight - you used cel...

2009-01-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Sue,
Let me get this straight - you used cellulose dye on protein with good results? I recently purchased some Procion to use on tencel and cotton and never imagined I could use the same on wool. Do you think it would work on some particularly dull cream alpaca? I'd love to use the alpaca for the softness but find the bland colour uninspiring. You always give me something to think about.