Hand-Dyed Yarn Care FAQ

A little testing helps you plan confidently with hand-dyed yarn. Always follow your yarn label's care instructions; different fibers and colors can behave differently.

How should I test yarn before starting colorwork?

Make a small swatch using every planned color, especially pale shades beside vivid or dark ones. Wash and rinse it separately using the same method you intend for the finished project, following the yarn label. Gently press it in a white towel and dry flat. Check the pale stitches and towel for transfer once dry. If colors migrate, pause before starting the full project and ask us for guidance.

Why might vivid colors bleed during wet handling?

Some hand-dyed yarn may release residual dye into the wash water, particularly with saturated shades. Water temperature, detergent, soaking time, and water chemistry can affect the result. Lightly tinted water alone doesn't tell you whether other stitches will stain, so check your washed, dried swatch rather than judging the water alone.

How should I rinse and wash my project?

Follow the yarn label and use cool water with a small amount of suitable gentle wool wash if recommended. Handle gently, avoid rubbing or wringing, and avoid sudden temperature changes. If rinsing is required, use fresh water at a similar temperature. Don't keep soaking or repeatedly washing a project that continues releasing strong color; contact us instead. Press out moisture gently and dry flat.

Should I keep it separate from other laundry?

Yes. Wash your swatch and early washes separately, away from light-colored items, and use a towel you don't mind potentially marking. Continue washing separately until repeated tests show no noticeable transfer. A successful test reduces uncertainty but doesn't guarantee that color will never transfer under different conditions.

Can I keep knitting if color rubs onto my hands?

Color transfer from rubbing is called crocking; it differs from dye bleeding into water. Pause and test a swatch before investing more work, especially for colorwork. Protect clothing and furniture, wash your hands after handling, and avoid handling wet yarn unnecessarily. Transfer alone doesn't establish whether a yarn is safe for your skin or intended use. If you notice irritation, stop handling it and seek appropriate medical advice.

When should I contact Wool and Bark?

Ask us before continuing if transfer is heavy, persists after label-directed care, stains contrasting stitches, occurs unexpectedly during dry handling, or leaves you unsure about your project. Send your order number, yarn base and colorway, photos of the yarn and dried swatch, and details of the water temperature, wash product, and soaking time. Keep the remaining yarn and label so we can help you work out the next step. Please ask before trying vinegar, heat, or other home dye-setting treatments.