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Pioneer Primitives How to Dye Your Own Thread
(for Punch Needle Embroidery) If you would like to try and hand dye your thread yourself, this page is for you! Dyes are cheap, this is easy to do, and it only takes a few minutes to set up. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and don't forget to check out the Punch Needle Kit club!  Step
1: Gather supplies. I use a white saucepan,
a "used to be white" spoon, plain salt, 100% cotton floss, Cushing's
Perfection Direct Dyes or Kool Aid, and measuring spoons.NOTE: You can get the dyes from www.wcushing.com Your pan and utensils must be reserved for "dyeing only." Do not use them again for cooking!  Step 2: Soak your 100% cotton floss or thread in water for a few minutes. (This is not like soaking wool, it is wet through in just a minute or less.) I used a pale gold floss and Bright Green dye for this example.  Step 3: Put about 2 inches of water in the saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir in a very small amount of dye, I use just a tiny bit with my smidgen (1/32 tsp) measuring spoon, not a full spoonfull, just about 1/6th full.  Step 4: Turn the heat to low, and put in the floss. If you want that great mottled effect, just plop it in and don't stir it at all! Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is the color you want. Don't forget, it will dry lighter!  Step 5: After the 15 minutes, put in a little salt (about a 1/4 teaspoon) and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool. The water should be almost clear by this point.  Step 6: Rinse in cool water and gently squeeze it out between two fingers. Lay it out to dry and you are done! Return Home |
