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A Beginning Knitter's Guide To Using Indie Dyed Yarn

By Henry Patterson


There is something incredibly rewarding about making items by hand. There has been a huge increase in the number of people who are knitting or crocheting clothing or items for their homes. If you are thinking about doing so and want to know more about the various indie dyed yarn options that are available, here are a few things that you will want to consider.

You may wonder what the difference between mass produced and independently produced skeins are. Mass produced are often made with synthetic dyes and there may have been thousands of skeins dipped in such a way as to produce yarn with an even, uniform look. While this appeals to many people, some crafters want more naturally produced options instead and turn to independent dyers instead of mass producers.

One benefit to using smaller batch products is that it might be easier to find products that are made from more exotic fibers. This can be a definite benefit if you want to use natural fibers but you are allergic to sheep's wool. The smaller batch artisan products may be more expensive but if it means that you can actually wear or handle the piece you have completed the extra expense will be money well spent.

If you buy mass produced yarn from a large retailer you may find hundreds of balls that are all from the same dye lot. This means that they have all been dipped at the same time and the color is usually very uniform. If, however, you are buying from a smaller producer there will usually be fewer balls from the same dye lot. If you are looking at buying small batch products, try and make sure to buy enough the first time you are there so that you don't end up with mismatched yarn.

One important piece of information that you need to look for is the weight and the type of yarn that you will be buying. Options range from soft, fine sock yarns to thicker, chunkier options that are better for sweaters, blankets or other bulkier options. If you pick materials that are too fine or too thick your project will not turn out and you may end up getting frustrated.

If you are just beginning to experiment with independently produced fibers you may want to do your buying from physical stores rather than online. An experienced seller should be able to discuss which options will be right for your project and give you important information on how to care for your garment or project when it is completed. Different fibers will need to be cared for in various ways once your project is done.

An increasing number of websites are beginning to offer small batch and hand dyed products. Look for websites that offer clear information about the weight of different skeins and the fiber content that each option has. That way you can be more confident about products that you are ordering. Just be aware of any return policies as some may not offer this feature, especially with custom ordered products.

For some crafters, it will be a natural progression from buying products to dying their own. If you have purchased some natural fibers that have not yet been colored it might be a good time to try your hand and to dye it yourself. Make sure you read the instructions so you have all the needed tools and materials on hand.




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