Our Dye Lab

In our dye lab, any color you can dream of can be brought to life! 

Before large batches are dyed, we go through experimentation and testing to make sure the dyes and yarn will create the desired end result. To do this, we use smaller measurements of the dyes while keeping the ratios the same. These results, once approved, are multiplied out for larger amounts.

Creating Dye Formulas

Any color can be created with some help from our color scanner!

Here, you can see the machine is being calibrated to scan a color chip.

Once the color scanner reads the color chip, it gives us multiple different dye recipes to help us match the hue we’re going for.

But that’s not the end of it! The color scanner gives us just an estimate – it takes detailed trial and error to find the right recipe to match the desired color exactly. 

Testing Dye Formulas

Prepare the Yarns

For testing, we measure out small yarn amounts using this yarn winder and a small scale. Each yarn reeling should be approximately 8.0 grams. Every measurement made has to be precise and accurate in order to guarantee success later on. 

The yarn is then loosely wrapped around metal pieces which will connect to the machine and aid in keeping the yarn submerged and slightly moving during the process. Lastly, the yarn is soaked in water so the dye can properly absorb into the fibers.

Mixing the Dyes

Here we have a five different recipes mixed and ready to go. As you can see, we number our bottles, yarn, and recipe notes to ensure everything goes along smoothly!

During this stage, experimenting with small changes like the amount of salt in a mixture can create some varying results, too. 

Dyeing the Yarn

The yarns on the metal rods are placed in a metal/glass tube, along with the dyes. The tubes are sitting in water that will increase steadily from 100°F to 200°F, which is considered the ideal temperature for this process.

The metal rods move up and down as well as clockwise and counterclockwise. 

Results!

After this process, the resulting yarns are free to show off their new, vibrant look. Take a look at some of the colors we’ve achieved in our lab!