How to Dye Yarn: Handpainting

Step 9 Wrap in plastic and cook

Wrap yarn in plastic wrap. Put into microwave, keeping it level so the dye doesn't spread.

Microwave in intervals - 3 min on, 3 min off, 3 min on, 3 min off, 3 min on - a total of 9 min cooked, but with resting intervals. Otherwise, if you try to nuke it nonstop for 9 minutes, the yarn will actually burn. This step should be done outside if possible, because it STINKS. If it's not possible to do it outside, make sure to have a lot of fans on so you air out the place. I don't know if it's toxic to breathe it or not, but it definitely takes your appetite away.

Alternatively, you can steam the yarn in a vegetable steamer and a stainless steel or enamel pot, for half an hour to an hour.

Comments

[sgreen19]

I don't think it's toxic, but it can be unpleasant. I use citric acid instead of vinegar. The smell isn't as strong.

[kewpiedoll99]

I've since switched to citric acid myself, for the same reason. I actually looked up both substances online to try to determine whether cooking citric acid or vinegar could be toxic and everything I found reassured me that it's probably not. I asked a chemical engineer friend as well and he didn't think there was a need to worry. To all: I'm not a chemist and I can't assure a reader that this is 100% safe, you must make your own risk assessment and decide for yourself. There might be a risk in heating up plastic wrap in the microwave! If anybody knows more about this, I'd welcome hearing about it in the comments!