How to Dye Yarn with Concord Grapes and Avocado Pits

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Scour the yarn

Mix 1 tablespoon of mild soap per gallon of water and soak your unspun roving or yarn in this solution for 24 hours to remove any oils that could interfere with dyeing. Once the soak is done, rinse the yarn thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear, then squeeze out the excess water before moving on to mordanting.

Step 2 — Mordant with iron water

Prepare your iron water solution by combining 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a large container. Add your rusty items — nuts, bolts, screws, bike parts, brake pads, washers, coat hangers, or bobby pins all work — and let the mixture sit for 24 hours. Strain the solution, reserving the liquid, then soak your scoured yarn in it for at least one hour. Rinse the yarn thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 3 — Mordant with alum

Repeat the mordanting process using an alum salt mordant, following the instructions on your particular product's packaging. Once this second mordant bath is complete, allow the yarn to dry completely before you move on to dyeing — this gives both mordants time to fully bond with the fibers.

Step 4 — Prepare the grape and avocado pit dye baths

Crush your Concord grapes and avocado pits to release their juices, then strain the juices and reserve the liquid for your dye baths. If you'd like to adjust the resulting colour, you can tweak the acidity or alkalinity of the juice with a little extra vinegar or baking soda — this is optional, but it's an easy way to shift the final shade.

Step 5 — Dye the yarn

If you'd like a variety of colours, divide your mordanted yarn into sections before dyeing. Submerge each section in its own container with the corresponding dye bath, then let the yarn soak for several hours, or overnight, until you reach your desired colour saturation. Rinse the dyed yarn carefully under cold water until the water runs clear, squeeze out the excess water, and hang it to dry completely. If you're also dyeing any bleached white yarn, repeat this same dyeing process with it.

Step 6 — Finish, cure, and store

Let the dried yarn air for several days before handling it, to make sure all of the dye has fully set into the fibers. After that curing period, wash the dyed yarn gently, either by hand or on a gentle machine cycle with mild detergent, then hang it to dry naturally or use a low heat setting in the dryer if your yarn allows it. Once everything is fully dry, skein, wind, and store your finished, naturally dyed yarn.

Frequently asked questions

What chemicals are used for mordanting in this natural dyeing process?
This process uses two mordants: an alum salt mordant and a homemade iron mordant. The iron water solution is made by combining 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water, adding rusty items to the mixture, and letting it sit for 24 hours before straining and using it to prepare the yarn.

What tools or equipment do I need for this natural yarn dyeing project?
You'll need unspun roving or yarn (such as Briggs and Little sport weight wool), fresh or frozen Concord grapes, avocado pits, distilled white vinegar, water, rusty items for the iron water solution (such as nuts, bolts, screws, bike parts, brake pads, washers, coat hangers, or bobby pins), alum salt mordant, large plastic containers, measuring cups and spoons, tongs, rubber gloves, face masks, old clothes or an apron, and plastic bags or storage containers.

What is the skill level required for this natural yarn dyeing project?
This natural yarn dyeing project is intermediate level.

How long does it take to complete the natural yarn dyeing process with Concord grapes and avocado pits?
The full process can take several days from start to finish. Scouring the yarn takes 24 hours, mordanting involves several steps and waiting periods of its own, and the dyeing step can involve soaking the yarn for several hours or overnight, plus time for rinsing and drying.

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