SAFETY
We offer common sense safety advice for the new natural dyer. The materials are derived from natural sources and are considered non-toxic but powders can be irritating so a few simple rules are part of a good dye practice.
NOTE: The one ingredient we want you to pay special attention to is Iron powder (ferrous sulfate). Keep away from young children and pets. It is the same ingredient that is found in iron pills for anemia and it is not safe for small bodies. Please read the safety and use information about ferrous sulfate below prior to use.
When working with other natural dye materials
- Use a high quality dust mask when measuring powders.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from hot dye baths or use tongs to avoid burns and splashes.
- Protect work surfaces with drop cloths and wear clothes you can get dirty or an apron.
- Clean up spills immediately
- Do not eat or drink in your dye area. You do not want to accidentally ingest something.
Tools and Equipment
You can get started with natural dyes with a few simple tools. Thrift shops are a good way to find dye equipment. Here’s what we recommend.
Your dye studio can be almost anywhere you can heat a dye pot and get a little drippy. Access to water is convenient and super useful. If you want to use your kitchen, make sure you protect all surfaces that might get damaged or stained and don’t use dye tools and equipment for cooking. Good ventilation is important so run the cooking fan or keep the windows open when working. Supervise children if you are working together and keep pets away from powders and hot dye pots.
Basic Equipment for Your Dye Studio
- A stainless steel stock pot with a lid. We use heavy duty stainless pots, but they can be expensive. Look for specials with Tramontina brand stainless steel stock pots. They are often on sale and reasonably priced. A 16 to 24 quart sized pot is large enough to hold a pound of yarn or a large t-shirt or lightweight, short summer dress. Typical sizes for these types of pots are 12-14” high (without lid) and about 11-13” in diameter. If you are using an induction burner, make sure the pot works with induction heat.
- A heat source. This can be an induction burner, an electric hot plate, or even your kitchen stove. If working outside, you can use a propane burner, a camp stove or a tabletop butane burner. Do not use propane or butane indoors – these give off dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
- A digital scale. We like to weigh our dyestuffs and ingredients, which is more accurate and consistent than measuring cups and spoons. We give both types of measurements in our instructions in case you are just starting out and don’t have a scale.
- Spoons, measuring spoons and mixing cups. For me, this is a motley collection of old metal spoons, tall teaspoons, yogurt cups, lost measuring cups and plastic beakers. I use these tools to scoop out dyes and mordants and the containers for holding and mixing ingredients in all steps of the process. Other great containers include – old plastic or stainless mixing bowls, small buckets, yogurt or ice cream tubs.
- Wide mouth Mason jars – I use these as mini-dye pots, to hold dye solutions, store dry dyestuffs and other uses. You literally cannot have too many of these. Hold onto the lids and rings or purchase storage lids for them.
- Thermometer – A digital instant read thermometer is great to measure temperatures as you start dyeing.
- Blue tape and permanent marker – I am forever labeling jars or dye baths when I am working and painter’s tape removes cleanly. A Sharpie type pen is handy.
- Buckets – 1-3 and 5 gallon buckets are very handy.
- Towels and rags – for cleaning up spills
- Drying rack or drying area – Somewhere to dry your samples, yarns, fabrics and garments where they can be drippy. We recommend you dry in the shade.
Notebook for taking notes, observations and keeping samples – It’s a great practice to take notes about your process and the results you achieved. A wirebound notebook is great and we include a template for record keeping.
Safe Use of Iron
The iron we supply is a food grade product but it can be harmful in powdered form to young children and pets. We advise that you follow these safety precautions.
- Keep the iron powder package tightly closed.
- Store away from children and pets.
- Do not allow children to use iron powder unsupervised.
- If ingested, seek immediate medical attention.
- Measure iron in a well-ventilated area
- When measuring iron powder, use a dust mask or respirator, apron and gloves.
- Clean any spills immediately and wash utensils promptly after use.
- Iron will stain surfaces, hands and clothing.
- This information is not meant to freak you out but to make you aware that iron should be handled with care.
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