Did you know that Kool-Aid can be used to wool dye yarn? It’s true! This tutorial details how to transform plain wool yarn into your own unique yarn using packets of drink mix and a crockpot. Two dyeing methods are demonstrated: Kettle Dyeing and Immersion Dyeing. The possibilities are endless once you know the basics. Learn a new skill and have one-of-a-kind yarn to use for your next knitting or crochet project!

Dyeing Wool Yarn with Kool-Aid

Two methods: Kettle Dyeing and Immersion Dyeing

Supplies

  1. Dishpan
  2. Wool Yarn

Patons Classic Wool Worsted in undyed or a light color is 100% wool and works well.

  1. Acrylic Yarn

Select a contrasting color. Cut four 8-10” pieces for each skein.

  1. Drink Mix Packets

Any brand of drink mix will work as long as there is no sugar and has FD & C colors.

  1. Crockpot
  2. Gloves

The colors stain skin. Use if putting hands in colored water. A paste of baking soda and water can be used for clean up if colors get on counters.

Both Methods

Step 1: Wind yarn into hank form

A hank of yarn is wound into circles. You can use chairs, tables, large boxes. The video uses piano bench legs as a winding frame.

Step 2: Tie yarn with Figure-8 ties

This reduces the chance of the yarn becoming tangled. Tie somewhat loosely so dye can penetrate fibers.

Step 3: Soak yarn for several hours

Fill dishpan with cool water. Using hot water can lead to felted wool. Add yarn. Slowly press yarn under the water. Gently squeeze out air bubbles. Yarn can be left to soak overnight if desired.

Method 1: Kettle Dyeing

Low level of water in the dye bath. All color is added after yarn is hot.

Step 4: Set Up the Crockpot

Add 1-2” of cool water to crockpot.  Gently squeeze water out of soaked yarn. Make sure yarn is submerged in the water. Add a bit more water if desired.

Step 5: Cover and Cook on “High”

Crockpot settings may vary. Avoid boiling the yarn. Wool will felt if boiled.

Step 6: Prepare & Add the Colors

Dissolve packets of drink mix in water. The demonstration video used 3 colors (2-3 packets in 4oz of water per color). After 90 minutes of heating, pour the colors over the yarn. Cover and heat an additional 90 minutes. The yarn needs to be heated to just under boiling (~180oF) until the color is absorbed into the yarn.

Method 1: Immersion Dyeing

Yarn is completely submerged in the dye bath.

Step 4: Prepare the Dye Bath

Fill the crockpot with water. Dissolve drink mix packets in the water. The video shows 4 packets used on 100g of yarn. Stir to dissolve the powder. Wearing gloves, gently squeeze water out of soaked yarn. Make sure yarn is submerged in the water.

Step 5: Cover and Cook on “High”

Crockpot settings may vary. The yarn needs to be heated to just under boiling (~180oF) until the color is absorbed into the yarn. Avoid boiling the yarn. Wool will felt if boiled.

Step 6: Optional Variation

The demonstration video shows additional color being added after heating 2 hours.  Two packets of drink mix were dissolved in 8oz. of water and poured into the dye pot.  The cover was replaced and the yarn was heated for an additional hour.

Both Methods

Step 7: Cool Yarn Completely

Step 8: Rinse Yarn

Use the dishpan and cool water only. Rinse and squeeze out the dye bath water several times. Lemonade flavors have a cloudy agent. Change water several times until the rinse water is clear.

Step 9: Dry Yarn

Squeeze out as much water as you can. Lay flat to dry. Do not expose to direct sunlight.

You now have your very own uniquely colored yarn for your next knitting or crochet project!

– Melissa, Reference Assistant