Jacquard Acid Dyes

are concentrated, powdered, hot water dyes that produce the most vibrant possible results on protein fibers including silk, wool, cashmere, alpaca, feathers, and most nylons.

Don't be alarmed by the name, the only acid involved is the vinegar that you add. Package in convenient, re-closable 1/2 oz. jars which will color about two pounds of fiber. Jacquard Acid Dyes are extremely brilliant and colorfast. If you can do a load of laundry, you can use these dyes. It's that easy. In addition to garment dyeing in a washing machine, you can use them to paint or print.

Remember: every monitor displays colors differently. Use this color chart only as a general guide.

Jacquard Acid Dyes are easy to use and economical! They are ideal for wool and protein fibers!

Each 1/2 ounces jar will dye about 2 Lbs of fiber to full strength. Primaries are Yellow Sun, Cherry Red and Sky Blue.

NEW! The Ashford Book of Dyeing, Revised Edition

This classic dyeing book has been completely updated and revised and offers  a wealth of information.  Packed with information about preparing your fabric or fiber for dyeing, natural dyes and recopies, chemical dyes for protein and cellulose fibers, dye baths for yarns and fabrics. The Ashford book of Dyeing by Ann Milner, is a comprehensive introduction to dyes and the wonderful world of color. There are detailed explanations of dyes and recipes for their use. Whether you are a spinner, weaver, knitter or textile artist, novice or more advanced in your craft, there will be something in this book to extend your ideas.

The Dyer's Companion, Dagmar Klos

The Dyer's Companion is an essential reference tool for anyone who wants to dye natural or synthetic fibers, fabric or yarns. This handy, easily accessible guide offers a wealth of indispensable information on equipment and supplies, types of dyes, preparation, safety, measurements, dyeing procedures, basic surface design techniques (including painting, marbling, and silk screening), proper dye disposal methods, and recordkeeping. Dye master Dagmar Klos draws on her wealth of experience to provide step-by-step recipes for dye methods she has refined, ones that produce consistent and successful results. Beginners will gain the confidence to add color to fiber, while seasoned textile artisans are sure to discover a host of friendly tips and hints. An eight-page color section showing 100 skeins of yarn in a range of color gradations, along with the fundamentals of color theory, provide you with encouragement to explore your own dyeing variations. Whether you are passionate about dyeing or just want to create colors for sewing, quilting, spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, or felting, this comprehensive resource puts everything you need at your fingertips and is certain to become an invaluable partner at your dyepot.

A Dyer's Garden touches on the history and nature of dye plants and walks you through a garden season from design to planting to harvesting for the dye pot. For everyone who wants to grow their own natural dyed stuff. Paperbound, 6 x 7 1/4, 112 pages, color photographs, $12.95  Quantity

Basic Directions for Jacquard Acid Dyes

Don’t let the name fool you…Acid Dyes do not contain acid or any other harmful chemicals. In fact, it has a neutral pH, like water. The only thing acidic is the white vinegar that you add. Jacquard Acid Dyes are the dye of choice for silk, wool, nylon, feathers or any protein fiber.

Versatility

Jacquard Acid Dyes are extremely brilliant and colorfast. If you can do a load of laundry you can use these dyes. In addition to garment dying in a washing machine you can use it to paint, print or airbrush.

Economy

One half once of Jacquard Acid Dyes will color about two pounds of fiber or fabric. Yardage will vary by weight and with of fiber or fabric.

Safety

Jacquard Acid Dyes are considered non-toxic when used properly. Common sense and good housekeeping should be used when handling any dye or chemical. Jacquard Acid

Stove Top Method

Soak to be dyed fabric, yarn or wool in cold water for at least 20 minutes. Wring out excess water. Fill a large metal pot with water and add dye. Make sure all the dye is dissolved before adding fiber or yarn. Distribute evenly. Add about ¼ cup of vinegar. Heat to 180 F for ½ hour.  Vigorous stirring will cause your woolen fiber or yarn to felt, so this is to be avoided. Remove from dye bath and cool to touch. Rinse in water and soap of the same temperature until final rinse water is clear. Sudden temperature changes of the rinse water will result in felting.

Washing Machine Dyeing for Fabric

Dot use for woolen fibers or garments unless they are super wash

Using the washing machine for small amounts of fabric because it is convenient and results are reproducible. The variables in dyeing are temperature, dye concentration, time and amount of fabric. The washing machine maintains consistent time, temperature and agitation so the amount of dye and fabric are the only thing you need to be concerned with.

Set the washing machine to gentle cycle, hot wash/cool rinse and fill to the lowest level appropriate for the amount of fabric dyed. Add dye powder and agitate until dissolved. Some dye colors are more dense than others, so use ½ jar for one pound of fabric. ¼ jar for ½ pound of fabric, etc. Add clean fiber and agitate two minutes. Add one cup of vinegar being careful not to pour directly onto fabric. Before wash cycle is complete, turn machine off and examine fabric. Fabric looks much darker wet than it does dry. To test your results, dye a scarp of material with your main load and dry with a hair dryer. At this point, you may let the machine continue through its cycle or start again; adding more dye if desired to increase depth of the shade. Wash in cool water and liquid soap.