How To Dye Wool

I am having so much fun making these rugs hooking tutorials that I thought I’d make another one. This one is about how to dye wool the easy way.

As with my other rug hooking tutorials, I’ve made a video version and a picture filled tutorial version too.

Personally I think the video version is my favorite because it has movement in it.

And while I don’t think I have any sort of secret techniques, sometimes it’s easier to see the process in action rather than reading about it.

I am a visual learner, and in my book, every little bit helps.  

I have been dyeing wool for over 25 years and if I can do it, so can you!

The best part about dyeing wool is that if you don’t like the way the color turned out, you can always dye it again and go for a different color or darken it up a bit.

Worst case scenario, you can always dye it black. 😉

Let’s dye some wool, shall we? Here we go!

How To Dye Wool

Cut wool to desired length {I cut my pieces 18” x 54”}.

I like to use an assortment of textures and colors. I find it makes my hooked rugs a little more interesting if all the fabrics are not the same.

Next, soak the wool in soapy water to allow the fibers to open up. I usually soak my wool for at least an hour before I start the dyeing process. Sometimes longer. 

Fill a large pot {I use a 20 quart pot} of water 2/3rds full and bring to a boil.

Make sure you need to do this in a well ventilated area with a pot specifically used for dyeing wool. You DO NOT want to use one of your everyday pots for dying wool and then use it for cooking because you are using chemicals.

I use Cushing’s Perfection Dyes and typically dye 2 yards at a time in {2} 20 quart stainless steel pots that I reserve just for dyeing wool.

You can dye wool in much smaller batches though as dye formulas can always be adjusted to suit the amount of wool you have to dye.

Over the years I have developed my own formulas {you can also buy dye formula books online} and I LOVE using hand dyed wools in my hooked rugs.

Add dye to dye pots and give it a stir.

After your wool has soaked for an hour or so, pull the plug and ring {most} of the water out of your fabric.

Once the water has come to a boil, turn off the heat.

Slowly add the warm wool to the dye pots once piece at a time.

 

Gently stir the wool {but not too much!} and then add a splash of white wine vinegar to your pots. 

This will help the wool soak up the dye quicker and set the color.

Cover your pot and let the magic happen.

Once all the dye is soaked up by the wool {the water will be clear when it is} wait until the water in the pots has cooled.

Once the water has cooled, rinse your wool fabric under warm water.

Ring it dry and then toss the wool into the dryer with an old towel and a dryer sheet {to prevent static cling} and tumble dry. 

In warmer months I like to hang my wool outside in the wind until it’s nearly dry {about 90%} and then toss it in the dryer to finish it off.

And that my friends, is how to dye wool the easy way.

If you want to see a more detailed version of how I dyed this wool, you can check out the video on my youtube channel MavisButterfield.

Any hey, while you’re there, maybe you want to subscribe too. You just never know what I might share next. 😉

Keep Calm and Carry On.

~Mavis

More rug hooking tutorials can be found HERE.