How To: Dye Scheepjes Nakid yarns

With the new Scheepjes Nakid Undyed series, each yarn can be transformed into a personal work of art. In this blog, you'll find a handy guide to dyeing your yarn at home and discover the endless possibilities the Nakid series offers!

Scheepjes Nakid yarn

The Scheepjes Nakid Undyed yarn is available in several variants, each with unique properties:

Alpaca Blend:

• ​Soft and warm, ideal for clothing worn directly on the skin.
• Composition: 80% Wool, 20% Alpaca
• Weights: DK and Chunky

Pure Wool:

• ​Basolan wool is water-repellent and durable, offering deep, bright colours after dyeing.
• Composition: 100% Basolan Wool
• Weights: Fingering, Sport and DK

Sock Yarn:

• ​Smooth, slightly glossy, and machine washable at 30°C, perfect for durable socks.
• Composition: 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
• Weight: Fingering

Essential Equipment

For dyeing wool using the stovetop method, you'll need the following items:

• Scheepjes Nakid yarn
• Dye (we recommend Jacquard acid dyes)
• Large steel or enamel lidded pan
• Small scoops/spoons for dye powder
• Micro-scales for weighing the dye powder
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring jug
• Jars or empty bottles for storing dye stock
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask
• Cable ties or shower curtain rings
• Synthrapol or an equivalent mild detergent

Note: Any pots or utensils used for dyeing should never be used for food preparation afterwards. Always wear protective gloves and a mask when handling dye powder.

Guidelines

Step 1 - Prepping the Yarn
Nakid yarn comes with plenty of skein ties to prevent tangling, so there should be no need to add more. Adding a cable tie or curtain ring can help with lifting the skein in and out of the water.

Step 2 - Pre-soaking
Pre-soaking helps the dye penetrate the yarn evenly. Use a bucket with room temperature water to cover the skeins and add a capful of Synthrapol and a tablespoon of citric acid. Soak the yarn for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3 - Making Dye Stock
While the yarn soaks, put on protective gear and prepare the dye stock. Only small amounts of dye powder are needed. For full-strength colours, use 100ml of water per gram of dye, and for pastel colours, use 400ml of water per gram of dye. Dissolve the dye powder in boiling water, starting with a small amount to make a paste, then add the remaining water.

Step 4 - Prepping the Dye Bath
For solid colours, use the full immersion method. Fill the pan with enough room temperature water to cover the skeins, plus about half an inch. Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to achieve a pH level of about 2.5. Add the yarn to the pan, making sure it is fully immersed.

Step 5 - Dyeing
Turn the hob on low heat and gradually bring the water to 80°C. Add the dye stock (1:24 ratio, so for 3 litres of water, add 125ml of dye stock). The water will change colour and gradually turn clear as the dye is absorbed. Maintain the temperature at 80°C for about 30 minutes, then check the colour.

Final Steps
Turn off the heat and let the dye bath cool completely. Rinse the yarn in cool water with a capful of Synthrapol until the water runs clear. Hang the yarn to dry naturally.

Once the yarn is completely dry, wind it into a ball or cake if you want to use it immediately. Otherwise, twist it back into a skein until you're ready to use it.

Inspiration

To create variegated yarns, try partial immersion, where the water only covers part of the yarn. Start with the lightest shades of dye stock and use syringes to place colour precisely. Add darker shades after about 15 minutes.
​Remember that the yarn will dry lighter and brighter than it appears in the pan. To blend colours, gently push the yarn under the surface for a few seconds.