Combining crafts is my kind of thing. So dying and painting a crochet project is right up my ally! Not only does it add more personality, it also adds a personal touch. This may sound intimidating, but I promise, you’ll see just how easy it is in this Hand Paint a Crochet Project tutorial.
This tutorial is part 3 in the series. You can find how to Dip Dye a Crochet Project here or how to Ombré Dye a Crochet Project here. If you’ve followed along with either of those tutorials, step 1-3 are the exact same, slightly different in step 4, and a few added materials are needed for hand painting.
This technique also works with dyeing yarn, macramé, and any other natural fiber projects!
First up…
Materials:
- A crochet project using wool or cotton (I used the Granny Diamond Coaster Crochet Pattern to stash bust and dip dye for this tutorial!) Plus an additional strand of yarn to test color.
- All Purpose Dye (I used Rit All Purpose Dye in Emerald but food coloring can also be used)
- Water
- White Vinegar
- Plastic container (or any contain that is not aluminum. I’ve used glass and plastic bowls. Container needs to fit the project with room on all sides.)
- Spray Bottle, Squirt Bottle, Small Container and/or Foam Brush
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Surface protector (such as plastic wrap, plastic table cloth, or something that will not absorb the dye and ruin the surface you’re working on)
- Tongs or Wooden Skewer
- Drying Rack
-
Old dish cloth, towel or blanket plus newspaper or paper towel to soak up extra dye
- Dye Fixative Optional: (make sure to read directions, this is normally done immediately after dying is complete and helps retain color)
- Salt Optional: (for enhances color)
- Liquid Dish Soap Optional: (1 tsp for even dying)
- Citric Acid Crystals/Powder Optional: (used with acid dyes and works on wool but not cotton or linen)
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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.
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.
Some dyes vary with directions. Make sure to follow the directions on your dye. For example, how hot the water 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 then add some to your spray bottle, squirt bottle, or small container. Shake to mix your bottle of dye. Add a very small amount dye at a time to get the color/shade of your choosing. This is where you’ll add of the option items. Salt will enhance color, liquid dish soap will help with even dying as well as citric acid crystals.
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.
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4: Test a swatch!
Feel free to make a swatch and test how you want your dyes and colors to look. Or just have fun and go nuts without making a test!
5: Paint your crochet project
Using the spray bottle, squirt bottle, or container with dye and foam brush, start painting your project. Colors, when painted too close to each other, will bleed into each other. Use newspaper or paper towel to soak up any extra dye around the project. The longer the dye sits, the more dye your project will absorb.
6: Prep your project for drying
Once your project has sat for any amount of time, 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.
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.
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 hand painting a crochet project? Leave a comment below!
Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this hand painting 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]
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