Credit: Through the Rabbit Hole — © Kelly Kingman

Basic Acid Dye Instructions for Wool Yarn (Jacquard Acid Dyes)

Disclaimer: I am currently deep in a Copilot-powered ADHD rabbit hole. The instructions, formulas, and formatting presented here are not my own original methods, they’ve been generated by Copilot, as part of an ongoing studio experiment.

Please treat this as a creative test run, not a final protocol. Adjust, question, remix, and interpret as needed. The goal is exploration, not perfection, and if it sparks a new idea or a better system, then the rabbit hole was worth it. ~VB

Copilot Provided Basic Acid Dye Instructions for Wool Yarn (Jacquard Acid Dyes)

  • Materials (for 100g wool yarn)
  • Jacquard Acid Dyes (pre-measured by OWG)
  • 100g scoured wool yarn (pre-wet)
  • 2–3L water
  • White vinegar or citric acid
  • Stainless steel or enamel dye pot
  • Stirring tool (non-reactive)
  • Thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • Gloves, mask, and ventilation

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Yarn

  • Soak yarn in warm water for 30 minutes.
  • Optional: Add a drop of Synthrapol or mild detergent to help wet out.

2. Mix the Dye Bath

  • Fill dye pot with 2–3L warm water.
  • Dissolve dye powder in a small amount of hot water, then add to pot.
  • Add white vinegar (1/4 cup) or citric acid (~1 tsp) to activate dye.
  • Stir gently to distribute.

3. Add Yarn

  • Place pre-wet yarn into the dye bath.
  • Stir gently to avoid tangling and ensure even coverage.

4. Heat & Set

  • Slowly raise temperature to 180–185°F (82–85°C) over 30 minutes.
  • Hold at this temperature for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Do not boil — gentle heat helps dye bond without felting.

5. Cool & Rinse

  • Allow yarn to cool in the pot.
  • Rinse in lukewarm water until clear.
  • Optional: Final rinse with a splash of vinegar to restore pH.

6. Dry

  • Squeeze gently (no wringing).
  • Hang or lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Notes for Success

  • Always wear gloves and a mask when handling dye powder.
  • pH matters: acid activates the dye, so don’t skip vinegar or citric acid.
  • Wool is temperature-sensitive — avoid agitation and sudden heat changes.
  • For repeatable results, log dye amounts, temperature, and time.

(Image credit: Through the Rabbit Hole — © Kelly Kingman)

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