DIY Kool-Aid Sun Dyeing!

by Jasmin D in Craft > Fiber Arts

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DIY Kool-Aid Sun Dyeing!

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Dyeing with kool-aid is a very easy and fun process. There are many methods, in this tutorial, you will learn to dye with the sun, rather than a microwave, oven or stovetop. This can be very interesting, so it can be used as a science class for the kids!

Items You Will Need:

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  • 1-ounce fiber or yarn (make sure it is a protein fiber like wool, rabbit, silk, alpaca etc...)
  • A quart canning jar with lid
  • 2 packets kool-aid colors of your choice
  • 3 Tablespoons of Vinegar-Optional most kool-aid contains citric acid, which acts as a mordant, but I still like to use vinegar just to make sure.
  • 3 cups of water
  • And a hot sunny day :-)

Chose Your Flavor

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The color depends on the flavor of the kool-aid, some are strong dye and others are not, for example, lemonade is light yellow but you need to use four packs instead of 1 or 2.

I will use Mixed Berry and Green Apple....teal green & teal blue

Preparations for Dyeing

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Put your fiber or yarn into the vinegar water (if you would like to speed up the process you may use hot water)

Adding the Dye

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there are different ways to add your kool-aid.

For a consistent color add the kool-aid to the water before the fiber and mix it. Then add the fiber.

For multi tie-dye look add your fiber to the jar first. Then add the colors to different corners in your jar.(do not stir)

After you have your dye in, screw on the lid and set in the full sun

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Wait a while and check to see if your water is clear or see through.

When the water looks clear, drain out the water and dry your dyed fiber.

Before and After

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Once your fiber is dry, it is ready to use in many ways.

See the yarn made with what we dyed? Look at the other pictures for more ideas. Enjoy!

Your Dyeing Is Complete

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Once your fibre is dry, it is ready to use in many ways.

If you have any questions or comments I will be very happy to help you.

Remember to vote this Instructable for the contest!

Enjoy and have fun!!!

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Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might