Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn

• Skeins of light colored yarn. (If it is in a center, pull skein, un-wind it and put it into a loop or loose skein.)
• Packets of unsweetened drink mix (Kool-Aid or other brand).
• Vinegar – You will need about ¼ cup per quart of water.
• Pot for the stove top.

Adult supervision required!

Let’s get started.  First you will need to pre-soak the yarn in cool water for about 20 minutes and then squeeze out the excess.  This will allow the dye to be more evenly absorbed.

Place water in a saucepan and add as much or as little of the drink mix as you want.  Remember, you can get creative here and do some mixing to make up your own colors.  Add vinegar—this doesn’t have to be an exact amount, it just helps your fiber absorb the color.

Kool-Aid Dyed Yarn

Add the yarn and bring it to a boil.  Let it boil until your water looks clear.  Clear means the yarn has absorbed the color.

Allow the mixture to cool and remove the yarn.  Rinse it in cold water and hang to dry.

This is only one way to dye yarn. Get creative with a zip-lock baggie and use the sun as your heat source!  See what fun new colors you can come up with.