September 15

How to Dip Dye a Crochet Project ~ Video and Picture Tutorial

Share this

Ever find yourself wanting to add a bit of you to your crochet projects? White and light natural colors, that are made from natural fibers, has so much potential to add a bit character to. Learn how to dip dye a crochet project in this written, picture, and video tutorial!

Dip-Dying-Crochet-Projects-Tutorial

Once you see how easy dip dying is, there will be nothing holding you back! In a few easy steps, you'll have a vibrant new project with much more character than the plain colors. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to dip dye your next crochet project!

This is the first tutorial in the Dyeing a Crochet Project series. Learn how to get an ombré effect in this tutorial

      First up...

Materials:

Click here to jump right to the video tutorial!

  Let's begin the dip dying tutorial!

Gather all your dip dyeing supplies near a sink, preferably a wash basin. Having a sink near by not only is helpful for rinsing, it's also a handy way to wipe up spills up quickly.

1: Prep your crochet project

Start by soaking your crochet project and a strip of the same yarn, your gauge swatch, or a small swatch, for 30 minutes. This project I used 4 cups of water with 1/2 cup vinegar. If dyeing a larger project, increase the water/vinegar solution keeping the same ratios.

Dip-Dying-a-Crochet-Project-Step-1

2: Ready your work area

I really encourage a plastic table cloth, or something to protect the surface you're working on. Along with that, make sure to protect your eyes with safety glasses and hands with gloves. 

Dip-Dying-a-Crochet-Project-Step-1

Some dyes vary with directions. Make sure to follow the directions on your dye. For example, how hot the dye bath should be as well as the maximum amount of time the project should be in it. Another common variation is if the project should be rinsed with hot of cold water. 

3: Prep your water and dye mix

Get water to roughly 140° F. Shake to mix your bottle of dye. Add a little dye at a time to get the color/shade of your choosing. This is where you'll add of the option items. 1 cup salt will enhance color, 1 tsp liquid dish soap will help with even dying as well as citric acid  crystals. 

Dip-Dying-Crochet-Projects-Tutorial

Once the swatch and project have been soaking for 30 minutes, remove from water/vinegar solution and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring it out or agitate the fibers.

4: Test a swatch!

Super important!! Test a swatch or yarn strand of the yarn you used for your project. With larger projects especially, you don't want to ruin your project because it isn't the color you intended. A test swatch for the exact amount of time will show what the end result will be. If you anticipate leaving the project in for a longer amount of time, I would recommend recording the amount of hot water and how much dye you've used for your test. You may need to reheat water and remake another dye bath.

5: Dye your crochet project

Dip your project completely in your dye bath. Or you can continuously dip the project in and out to achieve the result you want. The longer the dye sits, the more dye your project will absorb. 

Dip-Dying-a-Crochet-Project-Step-3

6: Prep your project for drying

Once your project has been in the dye bath to achieve the color of your choosing, rinse out with water (temperature according to your dye directions). Water must run clear. After, roll your project in a dish cloth or towel to soak up excess water.

Dip-Dying-a-Crochet-Project-Step-5

7: Let project completely dry

Using a drying rack of some sort will speed up the drying process. This will allow air to not only reach the top but also the bottom. Laying on a flat surface with no air flow under it will result in a longer drying time.

Dip-Dying-a-Crochet-Project-Step-6

Viola!!!

Once your project is completely dry, enjoy it!


More About Crystalized Designs

Making one, or many ? I’d love to see! Post any pictures to the Crystalized Designs Facebook Page or join the Crystalized Designs Facebook Group and post on the wall! Posting pictures may win you free patterns. Enjoyed this tutorial on dip dyeing a crochet project? Leave a comment below!

Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this dip dyeing tutorial! Please leave a comment below and again, I would love to see any pictures! Find me on Facebook, in my Facebook Group, or Instagram! I’d love for you to share on Pinterest! I’d be happy to follow you back on any social media, just leave a link below! Want to see something from Crystalized Designs? I’m interested to hear! Feel free to email me with any suggestions. And as always, if you have any questions about a pattern, don’t hesitate to contact me. Email is the best way to reach me. Email me at [email protected]

Posts may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase items through these links, which enables Crystalized Design to bring you even more free patterns!

Hug Tell Smile Signature
Dip Dying Crochet Projects by Crystalized Designs

Loved this? Spread the word


Related posts

Kathy Beanie ~ A Free Crochet Pattern
Adelaide Beanie ~ A Free Crochet Pattern
Talara Hooded Duster ~ A Free Crochet Pattern
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}