DIY Kool-Aid Sun Dyeing!

Dyeing with kool-aid is a very easy and fun process. There are many methods, in this tutorial, you will learn to dye with the sun, rather than a microwave, oven or stovetop. This can be very interesting, so it can be used as a science class for the kids!

Step 1: Items You Will Need:

• 1-ounce fiber or yarn (make sure it is a protein fiber like wool, rabbit, silk, alpaca etc...)
• A quart canning jar with lid
• 2 packets kool-aid colors of your choice
• 3 Tablespoons of Vinegar-Optional most kool-aid contains citric acid, which acts as a mordant, but I still like to use vinegar just to make sure.
• 3 cups of water
• And a hot sunny day :-)

Step 2: Chose Your Flavor

The color depends on the flavor of the kool-aid, some are strong dye and others are not, for example, lemonade is light yellow but you need to use four packs instead of 1 or 2.

I will use Mixed Berry and Green Apple....teal green & teal blue

Step 3: Preparations for Dyeing

Put your fiber or yarn into the vinegar water (if you would like to speed up the process you may use hot water)

Step 4: Adding the Dye

there are different ways to add your kool-aid.

For a consistent color add the kool-aid to the water before the fiber and mix it. Then add the fiber.

For multi tie-dye look add your fiber to the jar first. Then add the colors to different corners in your jar.(do not stir)

After you have your dye in, screw on the lid and set in the full sun

Step 5:

Wait a while and check to see if your water is clear or see through.

When the water looks clear, drain out the water and dry your dyed fiber.

Step 6: Before and After

Once your fiber is dry, it is ready to use in many ways.

See the yarn made with what we dyed? Look at the other pictures for more ideas. Enjoy!

Step 7: Your Dyeing Is Complete

Once your fibre is dry, it is ready to use in many ways.

If you have any questions or comments I will be very happy to help you.

Remember to vote this Instructable for the contest!

Enjoy and have fun!!!

Step 8:

www.sewsimplypretty.com

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might

Comments

[buildandsewandstuff]

I'm not clear on the "protein fiber". Does that mean cotton would not work? Also, can you dye a garment or fabric instead of raw fiber?

[Jasmin D]

A protein fiber comes from an animal or an insect such as wool, alpaca, dog, silk, buffalo, rabbit... Cotton is a cellulose fiber.Cellulose fiberscan be obtained from the bark, wood or leaves of plants, or from a plant-based material...like cotton, linen, bamboo... You certainly can dye a garment or fabric with Kool-aid as long as they are made from a protein fiber.You can use a silk shirt from the thrift store... Try tie-dying, it is lots of fun how your surprise shirt will turn out. Than you own a one of a kind garment. Enjoy!

Hope this helps

[giorgia14]

I don't live in America but if a Kool Aid can dye so perfectly a yarn, imagine what it does to children's gut... btw great tutorial!

[Jasmin D]

Thanks!

[Diamonds_OnTheInside]

This sounds fun! I might have to try this next summer. :)

[ashleyjlong]

Beautiful work. I really like your color mixing guide too. When I was 13 I tried dying my hair green with Kool-Aid but it definitely works out a lot better on wool!

[azka imtiaz]

nice idea

[Jasmin D]

Thank you

[seleniebeanie67]

I like this dyeing process...and it's kid-friendly too!

[Jasmin D]

You're right, most dyes are dangerous and unhealthy, but some people drink kool aid.

Imagine what it makes your inside look like :-)!!!