IWhy Hand-Dyed Yarn Needs Special Care
Hand-dyed yarn is one of the most beautiful materials a fiber artist can work with. Each skein is unique, dyed in small batches with careful attention to color and depth. But that same artisan process means your yarn deserves a little extra TLC to keep those colors vibrant and the fibers healthy for years to come.
Washing Your Hand-Dyed Yarn Projects
The golden rule: always wash gently and in cool water. Hot water is the enemy of hand-dyed fibers — it can cause felting in wool and accelerate color fading.
- Use a wool wash or gentle soap — look for pH-neutral, dye-safe formulas like Eucalan or Soak.
- Soak, don't scrub — let your project sit in cool water for 15–20 minutes. Agitation causes felting in animal fibers.
- Rinse carefully — use water the same temperature as your soak to avoid shocking the fibers.
- Press out water gently — never wring. Roll your project in a clean towel and press firmly to remove excess moisture.
Drying Hand-Dyed Yarn Projects
Lay your finished project flat to dry, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight is beautiful, but prolonged exposure can fade even the most carefully set dyes. A mesh drying rack or a clean towel on a flat surface works perfectly.
Storing Your Hand-Dyed Yarn
Proper storage protects both the fiber and the color:
- Keep skeins in a cool, dry place — humidity and heat are not your friends.
- Avoid direct sunlight — store yarn in a drawer, basket, or opaque bin to prevent fading.
- Use breathable storage — cotton bags or open baskets allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Avoid sealed plastic bags for long-term storage.
- Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets — a natural way to deter moths without harsh chemicals.
Preventing Color Bleeding
Some hand-dyed yarns, especially deeply saturated colors like reds, purples, and blacks, may release a little excess dye the first time they're washed. This is completely normal! To minimize bleeding:
- Add a splash of white vinegar to your first soak — it helps set the dye.
- Wash dark colors separately the first time.
- If you're knitting a colorwork project with multiple hand-dyed colors, wash a small swatch first to check for bleeding before committing to the full project.
A Note on Superwash vs. Non-Superwash Wool
Superwash wool has been treated to be machine washable, making it more forgiving. Non-superwash wool requires more careful hand washing. When in doubt, check the yarn label or product description — we always note the fiber content and care recommendations for every skein in our shop.
Have questions about caring for a specific yarn from our collection? Browse our shop or reach out — we're always happy to help!