Yarn Dyeing Calculator

Depth of shade is the percentage of dye weight relative to the weight of fibre being dyed. For acid dyes, 0.5% gives a pale shade, 2% gives a medium shade, and 4–6% gives a dark shade. Natural dyes use much higher percentages because the pigments are less concentrated.

Mordants (typically alum at 15% weight of fibre) help natural dye molecules bond permanently to the yarn. Without a mordant, most natural dyes will wash out. Mordant the yarn in a separate bath before dyeing for best results. Alum is the safest and most common mordant.

The standard ratio is 30:1 water to fibre by weight — so 30ml of water per gram of yarn. This gives enough water for the yarn to move freely in the dye bath, ensuring even colour. For immersion dyeing, the yarn should float loosely in the pot.

Yes, always. Soak the yarn in warm water for at least 30 minutes before dyeing. This opens the fibre structure, removes any spinning oils and ensures even dye uptake. Gently squeeze out excess water before placing yarn in the dye bath.