You’ve chosen a skein (or three!) of beautiful, unique hand-dyed yarn. The colors speak to you, the fiber feels glorious, and you can’t wait to cast on. But how do you ensure that vibrant magic lasts through winding, knitting/crocheting, and for years to come in your finished projects?
Taking a little extra care with your indie-dyed yarns and the masterpieces you create from them is well worth the effort. Here are our top five tips:
- Gentle Winding is Key: Whether you use a swift and ball winder or go old-school with your hands and a chair back, be gentle. Avoid pulling too tightly, which can stretch the fibers. If winding from a hank, make sure to untwist it carefully and lay it out smoothly before you begin.
- The First Wash – Handle with Care (and Cool Water!): Most hand-dyed yarns, especially those with intense or saturated colors, may have a tiny bit of excess dye that rinses out in the first wash. This is called "crocking" or "bleeding" and is often normal. Always use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can shock the fibers and encourage more dye to release. A gentle, pH-neutral wool wash is your best friend. Avoid harsh detergents or regular laundry soap.
- To Agitate or Not to Agitate?: For most wool and delicate fibers, minimize agitation during washing. Let your item soak for 15-20 minutes, gently squeeze out the water (never wring!), and then rinse in cool water if your wool wash requires it (many are no-rinse). Superwash yarns can often handle more movement and even a gentle machine cycle, but always check your yarn label or our specific recommendations for the base you purchased. When in doubt, hand wash!
- The Art of the Block (and Dry): Reshaping and drying your finished project properly makes all the difference. After gently squeezing out excess water (you can roll it in a towel and press), lay your item flat on a clean towel or blocking mats. Gently pat and pin it into shape and desired dimensions. Allow it to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or intense heat. This might take a day or two, but patience pays off!
- Storing Your Stash & Finished Beauties: Protect your yarn and finished items from moths and direct sunlight. Store them in breathable containers, cedar chests, or with lavender sachets. For finished garments, folding is generally better than hanging, which can cause stretching over time, especially for heavier items.
A little bit of love goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your hand-dyed creations. Happy crafting, and may your colors stay vibrant!