To ensure even dyeing, with acid dyes, add 2 teaspoons of plain salt when you add the dye solution in the beginning before you add the wool. Start the heat on low and stir constantly, gradually raising the heat to medium. Add a generous glug of white vinegar after the wool has taken up some or all of the dye. Continue to stir or process for a few minutes longer. These dyes do not activate until they reach temperatures at or just a few degrees below the boiling point. Consequently, if you don’t care if your background is evenly dyed, you don’t need to add salt in the beginning or stir constantly.

Always remember that the wool won’t take up any dye if it bulges up above the water because you forgot to poke it under. Also, the dye will always attach in the spots that get hottest first, so it is best to stir the wool and dye bath often so there are no real hot spots.

Even when I do everything right, I am apt to get spots where I don’t want them. My best advice for even dyeing is to be attentive, working slowly and deliberately. Don’t hurry. This is definitely one time that haste makes waste.

Happy Hooking,
Dixie Cox