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DIY Yarn Dyeing Kit – Great Gift Idea for a Knitter or Crocheter!

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Super easy way to put together a fun Yarn Dye Kit to give someone who loves to knit or crochet

Are you forever looking for that perfect Christmas or Birthday gift for your favorite Knitter, Crocheter or Weaver? Perhaps they would be interested in learning how to dye beautiful yarn at home?

A Kool Aid dye kit is a great gift, even for a beginning yarn dyer.

There is something extra special about a finished knit hat or scarf if the yarn was also dyed by hand. You can’t get a more personalized homemade gift than that!

yarn dyeing supplies for a yarn dye kit

Making your own yarn dye kit is very affordable and super simple to put together. The main cost is the yarn you decide to put in the jar.

This can be an inexpensive yarn such as Bare Wool of the Andes or something ultra lux like this 100% Silk Bare Luminance.

Does your knitter love to make socks? Get some luscious sock yarn. Or perhaps they enjoy crocheting hats or slippers. In that case, this bulky yarn would be perfect for the dye kit. You get the idea!

Also think about customizing your kit with your recipient’s favorite colors!

Here is a skein of yarn that I dyed with Kool Aid drink powders. I used Mixed Berry (blue), Cherry, Orange and Grape flavors.

Note: Stay away from Lemonade Kool Aid which has very little dye in it.

Merino wool yarn dyed with Kool Aid drink powder

Why use Kool Aid?

Kool Aid is a great option for a beginner yarn dyer. It’s a good way to test the waters and see if an investment in more expensive dyes is worth it.

If you are giving this dye kit to someone who already has some experience, you may want to opt for professional dyes such as Jacquard or Country Classics.

Just make sure you buy ACID DYES, which are specifically made for protein/animal fibers.

Supplies Needed:

  • Protein Fiber Yarn (Sheep wool, alpaca or silk)
  • Quart Size Canning Jar with Lids ( I prefer wide mouth jars)
  • Kool-Aid packets (unsweetened)
  • Yarn Dyeing Instructions (get them here)
Merino wool yarn for a yarn dye kit
Kool Aid drink packets for dyeing yarn

Printing the yarn dyeing instructions:

Just in case your gift recipient has never dyed yarn before, you can include basic instructions for dyeing yarn in your kit. Get them here.

Look for the card labeled ‘HOW TO DYE YARN WITH KOOL AID’ and hit the ‘Print’ button. Add a pretty ribbon and tuck it into the mason jar.

Yarn Dyeing Supplies for making a Yarn Dye Kit
(Yarn dyeing supplies for making a yarn dye kit)

Assembling your dye kit:

Once you have gathered your yarn, mason jar, Kool Aid packets and the dye instructions, all you have to do is place them in the jar and close with the lid.

You can also add some colorful fabric and a bow or ribbon to the top or just pop the whole thing in a gift bag.

How to make a DIY Yarn Dyeing kit

DIY Yarn Dyeing Kit – Great Gift Idea for a Knitter or Crocheter!

About Annette Browning

Annette Browning is a long time fiber artist, specializing in dyeing yarn and fabric, eco printing and feltmaking.

Annette has over 20 years of experience in knitting, crochet and textile dyeing. She created her my own line of wool and alpaca blended yarn that she then hand dyed and sold in independent yarn shops and fiber festivals.

Annette has also taught classes and workshops in a variety of techniques including feltmaking, yarn dyeing and fabric crafts.

Her tutorials have been featured on Woman's Day, Porch, AARP and The Quilt Show.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. aimee fauci says

    Crazy what you can do with Kool Aid! From coloring your hair to dying yarn.. The yarn came out pretty.

    • Annette says

      Thanks Aimee, I’m playing around with other techniques to share 🙂

  2. Brenda @Schooling a Monkey says

    This is so cool! My daughter would love doing this!

    • Annette says

      Let me know if she tries it!

  3. Camille says

    Ooo I love this! Going to try (pinned it too)

    • Annette says

      Thanks!

  4. Mommy on Demand says

    Ohh I need to give this a try!! Thanks for coming over and sharing at Happiness is Homemade Link Party!

    • Annette says

      You’re welcome! Thanks for the party 🙂

  5. Liz Clark says

    Cute packaging idea Annette. I’ve done quite a bit of this type of dyeing and it’s still a favorite of mine! So easy and you don’t have to worry about toxic materials in your kitchen. 🙂

    • Annette says

      Thanks Liz! I really like the Kool Aid dyeing too. It’s much easier than hauling out the special pots and pans and stuff with the acid dyes…. How are things up there?

  6. Allie says

    I keep meaning to try this. This would be a fun thing to do with my kids too! Thanks for sharing on Worthwhile Wednesdays!
    ~Allie http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/

    • Annette says

      Thanks Danielle! I will put your party on my list!

  8. Kristina & Millie says

    Love dying yarn – did some kool-aid yarn dying a couple weeks ago. oh….i guess i need to crochet something with it now…

    • Annette says

      I love to dye…. I rarely knit or crochet lol!

  9. sheila zachariae says

    This is a wonderful idea! I love the mason jar and am thinking a big pot to dye the yarn in would be cute too. Ooo, and some plastic gloves or metal tongs! Or some needles and a hook! Thanks for sharing!
    Best,
    Sheila
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/sheilalikestoknit

    • Annette says

      Yes! It can be customized with favorite colors too 🙂

  10. Annette says

    Thank you! Let me know how it goes 🙂