How to Wash Hand-Dyed Yarn and Finished Projects – That Yarn Place

🧶 How to Wash Hand-Dyed Yarn (and Finished Projects) — A Yarn Lover’s Guide

Hand-dyed yarns are mini works of art — every skein is unique, rich in colour and lovingly created by talented dyers. They’re also an investment; here at That Yarn Place (TYP) we proudly stock some of Australia’s most beautiful hand-dyed brands, including:

✨ Ash & Eve
✨ Circus Tonic Handmade
✨ NNK Yarns
✨ Maximoo Yarns
✨ Three Trees Fibrecrafts
✨ Nomad Yarns
✨ Fiori
✨ Patons Patonyle

Because these yarns are special (and more expensive than mass-produced yarns), you want to keep them looking vibrant and lasting for years. Here’s how to wash hand dyed yarn and your handmade pieces safely.

🧼 Before You Wash: Prep & Test

Check the label
Indie dyers usually include care instructions such as “hand wash cool, dry flat.” Start there.
Test for colour-fastness
Fill a white bowl with cool water and submerge a small swatch or yarn tail for 10–15 minutes.
- Slight colour release = normal.
- Heavy bleeding = wash separately and avoid combining with light colours.
Loosen ties (if washing skeins)
- If washing before winding, keep the hank in a loose loop, secured with figure-8 ties in a few spots.

🧴 How to Hand Wash Hand-Dyed Yarn or Projects

Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water
Hot water can felt wool and cause dye to bleed.
Add a gentle wool wash
We love Dirt Wool & Delicate Wash
Let the yarn or garment rest for 10–20 minutes without vigorous movement.
Rinse gently in cool water
Replace the water until mostly clear.
Press out water — never wring
Squeeze softly, roll in a towel, and press to remove excess moisture.
Lay flat to dry
Shape to size and dry out of direct sunlight to preserve colour vibrancy.

✨ Special Tips for Hand-Dyed Yarn Care

Wash only when needed — yarns from Ash & Eve, NNK, Circus Tonic Handmade, Maximoo, and Fiori don’t require frequent laundering.
Avoid the washing machine — even on a “wool cycle,” agitation + temperature changes can felt and fade fibres.
Block carefully — cool water and gentle pinning protect stitches and dye work.
Store safely in a sealed bag, add lavender or cedar for moth deterrence.

💡 Why Hand-Dyed Yarn Costs More — and Why Care Matters

Artisan dyers such as Ash & Eve, Circus Tonic Handmade, NNK, Maximoo, Three Trees Fibrecrafts, Nomad, Fiori and Patons Patonyle produce colourways in small batches using time-intensive techniques like hand-painting, speckling and kettle dyeing.
Each skein is unique and can be impossible to replicate. Correct washing and storage protect that investment and keep your handmade garments as beautiful as the day you bound off.

🛒 Shop Hand-Dyed Yarns at That Yarn Place

At That Yarn Place (TYP), we’re passionate about helping makers choose, use, and care for their yarns. Our curated hand-dyed range includes:

Ash & Eve – a story told through yarn
Circus Tonic Handmade – a carefully curated collection inspired by the wonders of nature
NNK Yarns –
Maximoo Yarns – playful & vibrant handdyed yarns
Three Trees Fibrecrafts – inspired by the amazing Australian outdoors
Nomad Yarns – a truly organic collection with beautiful yarn & plant based dyes
Fiori – luxurious blends perfect for garments and accessories
Patons Patonyle – beloved for socks and durable projects