Understanding the math behind fiber dyeing is crucial for anyone serious about creating consistent, repeatable colorways. By mastering the calculations needed for 1% Depth of Shade (DOS) stock solutions, you’ll be able to record your dye recipes accurately, ensuring that you can replicate your favorite colorways time and time again. Gone are the days of creating a stunning color only to realize you can’t recreate it! That was a frustration that I had, so that's why I created the Fiber Dyeing Math and How to Calculate 1% Stock Solutions of Acid Dyes video to share with you.
What Is a 1% Stock Solution of Acid Dyes?
A 1% stock solution is a dyeing tool that every fiber artist should have in their arsenal. When dyeing fiber, it’s vital to have precise control over the amount of dye used, and a stock solution makes this process straightforward. By pre-mixing your acid dyes with water, you reduce the risk of inhaling dye particles and simplify the measurement process for future projects.
How to Calculate 1% Stock Solutions of Acid Dyes: Step-by-Step Guide
In this episode of Fiber Diaries, we break down the math involved in creating a 1% stock solution of acid dyes. Don’t worry if math isn’t your strong suit—we’ve included detailed slides in the video and created a handy Fiber Dyeing Math Cheat Sheet that you can download for free! I know it says buy now below. But the price will be $0.00. This cheat sheet will guide you through the calculations, ensuring you always get the right dye concentration for your fiber.
The Pros and Cons of Stock Solutions
While stock solutions are incredibly convenient, they do come with a few drawbacks as do most things in life. The main issue to be aware of is that these solutions can separate or “crash” if they sit for too long. To avoid this, we recommend only preparing enough solution for short-term use. Idealy mix up enough to use in one day. This way, you’ll always have a fresh and effective dye solution ready for your next project.
That being said, you can use older dyes, just be aware that there is a possibility that it will have crashed and the portion of the solution in the bottom might be a stronger concentration of dyes than the top. In other words, be prepared for it to not be a true 1% stock solution throughout any longer. The older the dye solution the greater this chance is.
Why Precision Is Key in Fiber Dyeing
The importance of precision in fiber dyeing cannot be overstated if you want to have reproducible results. By using the right math, you’ll be able to document your dyeing recipes accurately, which is essential for replicating your work. While it’s fun to experiment with colors on the fly, there’s nothing worse than creating a beautiful yarn or fiber and not being able to duplicate it later. Boy have I learned this the hard way.
Watch the Video and Download Your Cheat Sheet!
Check out Fiber Diaries #2 on our YouTube channel to watch the full tutorial on fiber dyeing math and calculating 1% stock solutions of acid dyes. Don’t forget to download the Fiber Dyeing Math Cheat Sheet—it’s free and will be an invaluable tool in your dyeing journey.
Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and get ready to dive into the world of precise, repeatable fiber dyeing. Happy dyeing!
Comments