Test to see if yarn will bleed in a project

This simple method will allow you to create a tiny rope to test the wetfastness of the yarns you plan to use together. You can use these little samples when you aren’t going to create a full swatch.

Step 1

Cut about 10-12 inches of each color you plan to use. I like to add a strand of white or cream even if it isn’t going to be in the final project.

Twist the strands together.

Step 2

Bring your hands together and allow the strands to twist back on themselves.

Step 3

Tie the loose ends into a knot to keep it together when wet.

Once you have your tiny rope you can soak or wash it however you would your project. I recommend using a very small amount of water in a small clear or white dish so you can really see if any dye lifts. Once it’s dry you can also untie or cut the knot to check between the strands for color transfer. I learned that the fuchsia color let off a little bit of pink dye.

Of course we never want yarn to bleed, however it does happen. Having this knowledge at the beginning of your project can really help you plan. There are so many ways you can work around bleeding yarn!

Fixing the dye

If you know one of the yarns is bleeding you can take steps before using it to fix the dye. First you can try rinsing the skein until the water runs clear. If it doesn’t clear after a couple of rinses then you may want to try putting your yarn in a vinegar bath. To set your yarn with vinegar you will need a pot or a microwavable dish that is not used for cooking or food in any way, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and water.

For the stove-top: fill your pot with water, add the vinegar, then your yarn. Bring the pot to a very low simmer, you don’t want the yarn to boil, or even have bubbles. You just want it to be very hot. If you have a thermometer, your goal is 165-180°F (73-82°C). Hold it at the simmer for 10-15 minutes then take it off the heat and allow it to cool completely. Rinse in cold water.

For the microwave: fill your container with water, add the vinegar, then your yarn. Place the dish in the microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes at a time until the water is warm. Once the water is warm, heat for 30 seconds at a time until the water is very hot. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes and then heat to very warm again. Allow it to cool completely. Rinse in cold water.

Remember, with either of these methods, it is not safe to use the pot or container for anything you’re going to eat or drink afterward.

Preventing color transfer

You may find that the dye just won’t set. There are some reactive dyes that, by nature, just bleed forever. They tend to not fade and stay vibrant for years so they are still popular dyes. If you have a skein that just won’t stop bleeding you still have options! Rinse and wash your project in the largest volume of water possible and always use cold water. The more water you use, the more area there is for dye to disperse and not resettle in your project. Use softened water if possible, hard water can contribute to color bleeding and fading. You can try adding Carbona Color Grabbers (or a similar product) when you wash your project, they collect free dye and trap it so it can’t settle in places you don’t want it.

You can use these tricks for ready-to-wear clothing, too! If you have silk, wool, angora, or other animal fiber garment that is bleeding, these methods will help.