Several people have asked about how to care for Naturally Dyed Indigo Fibers – so we’re sharing a Product Guide for our Indigo Yarn.

Product Guide: Naturally Dyed Indigo Yarn – Preventing Color Bleeding

How to care for your Naturally Dyed Indigo yarn: Indigo dye, known for its rich, deep blue color, creates stunning results in your projects. However, it’s important to know that naturally dyed indigo yarn can sometimes bleed, especially in the first few washes. This guide will help you understand why color bleeding happens and how to minimize or prevent it from impacting your other clothes.

Why Does Indigo Yarn Bleed?

Indigo dye is a unique and traditional natural dye that can sometimes have excess dye on the yarn’s fibers. When washed, this dye can seep out of the yarn, resulting in color bleeding. The bleeding can potentially transfer to other fabrics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Indigo Bleeding

1. Pre-Wash Your Indigo Yarn Before starting your project, it’s a good idea to pre-wash your indigo yarn. This helps to remove any excess dye on the surface of the fibers that could bleed during future washes.
   • How to Pre-Wash:
     • Fill a basin or sink with cool water (avoid hot water, as it can cause shrinkage).
     • Add a small amount of gentle detergent or a mild wool wash.
     • Gently agitate the water and let the yarn soak for about 15–20 minutes.
     • Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
     • Hang or lay the yarn flat to dry completely.
2. Set the Dye with a Vinegar Solution (Optional) Setting the dye can help prevent future bleeding and give your yarn better colorfastness.
   • How to Set the Dye:
     • Prepare a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water.
     • Soak your yarn in this mixture for about 30 minutes.
     • Rinse the yarn thoroughly with cool water and allow it to dry. This step is particularly helpful for items that will undergo frequent washing.
3. Hand Wash in Cool Water After you’ve knitted, crocheted, or woven with your indigo yarn, it’s crucial to hand wash the finished piece properly.
   • Washing Instructions:
     • Wash your finished item in cool water with a mild detergent.
     • Avoid hot water, as it can cause dye to release from the fibers.
     • Gently agitate by hand, being careful not to rub or twist too aggressively.
     • If washing with other items, choose similar colors to avoid any unintended transfers.
4. Use Color Catchers or Dye-Absorbing Sheets If you’re worried about color bleeding while washing, especially in the first few washes, use a color catcher sheet. These sheets are designed to absorb any loose dye that may come off your indigo yarn and can help prevent it from transferring to other clothes.
   • Simply add a color catcher sheet to your washing machine or basin, following the product instructions.
5. Avoid Mixing with Lighter-Colored Items When washing your item for the first few times, avoid washing it with lighter-colored fabrics or items you don’t want to risk getting stained. Darker items and towels are safer to wash with the indigo yarn creations.
6. Dry Your Item with Care After washing, avoid wringing your indigo yarn projects, as this can distort the shape or cause excess dye to leach out. Gently press out excess water with a towel, and then lay the item flat to dry. If you’re using a drying rack, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent any fading.
7. Repetition of Washing As your piece goes through more washes, the likelihood of color bleeding reduces. Over time, the excess dye will be removed, and the bleeding will be minimal, if any.
8. Spot Clean When Needed If your item gets a small stain, spot clean it with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing or using hot water, as this can cause the indigo dye to bleed.

Final Thoughts

Naturally dyed indigo yarn is a beautiful, eco-friendly choice for your knitting or crochet projects. While some color bleeding is to be expected initially, with the proper care and washing techniques, you can enjoy your indigo-dyed creations without worrying about dye transfer to other clothes.

By pre-washing the yarn, setting the dye, and using care during future washes, you’ll minimize bleeding and keep your garments looking vibrant for years to come!