Newbie Question> Can you use oxide powders to dye yarn?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on October 7, 2011 at 8:23am

I can't answer your question about dye, but I found a great pattern for a dog coat, which I'm going to make for Rocky and Sunny as soon as the Swish colors I want come in. It's the Biscuit and Bones Dog Coat from Patons. You can get to it from Ravelry, but you have to sign up with Patons (no charge) to get it. One advantage is it's in several different sizes. They are between two sizes, but it looks like it should be easy to adjust. The pattern is really cute!

Permalink Reply by wendy on October 8, 2011 at 11:12pm

Have you checked over on Ravelry?

Permalink Reply by christina | AlohaBlu on October 10, 2011 at 12:37pm

Bren - if you have waste yarn you can always try dyeing with your oxides and seeing if that works. I did read online that some ultramarines are pigments rather than dyes (ie. suspended, not soluable), but if yours are water soluable, might be worth a test.

Permalink Reply by Bren on October 11, 2011 at 2:03pm

Yes that's what I was thinking too.  I think I might just try it on some scrap yarn I have...that's a good idea.  I honestly was just curious.  Since I have so many, it would be nice to use them.  Thanks Christina!

Permalink Reply by Julie's Yarn Shoppe on April 21, 2012 at 6:40am

I have been researching the same thing. It appears that the Japanese paint on silk with oxides. They first soak their cloth (you propbably have yarn) in soymilk. Then when it is dry, they mix their oxide powders with soymilk and paint it on. Then they let it dry and cure in a warm dry spot for a month. Then they wash it and voila it is color-fast. I haven't tried it yet, but I understand you can either make your own soymilk from soybeans or just purchase some from your grocery store.