HOW TO CARE FOR YOU PRODUCT
(YARNS AND BAGS)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Bits of material:

We use natural materials, very often in natura, to dye our yarns. It is possible that not all the its and bits are removed when rinsing the yarn and you might find small pieces in between the threads. Just remove them and keep knitting!

Crocking:

Crocking is the transfer of colour onto your hands when manipulated, by knitting or chrocheting. It's the same thing as buying a dark colour jeans and it has a tag that warns about dye transfer (but they use synthetic Indigo-blue). Crocking is caused by mechanical friction of the yarn and the pH value of your skin pulling out the dye molecules from within and excess dye molecules from the surface. It is common in all yarns dyed with natural Indigo, and sometimes with Logwood (saturated purples) and Chlorophyl (saturated greens). Rinse the project in free flowing water before leaving to soak and swatching. Use of a handcream and metal needles reduce staining.

WASHING YOUR TEXTILE

Use only a very little amount eco-woolwash or dishwashing liquid.

Natural dyes are sensitive to changes in pH and strong alkaline detergents may alter the color of the yarn. So naturally, we recommend a neutral laundry detergent or a lanolin-rich neutral wool wash.

Vinegar is used to soften down the cuticles on the hair shaft which get opened up during the dyeing process. Wool is very similar in this regard so a little vinegar will soften the fiber, flatten down the cuticles. It won't set the dye but may reduce bleeding.

Yarns that contain non-superwash wool and are more likely to be bleeders/crockers than chemically treated yarns.

Colors that are likely to bleed more than others: all saturated dark colors and pop-bright colors. Especially saturated ochres (Turmeric yellows), and saturated blues (Indigo).

COLOR WORK

Take the safe route when creating something that uses different colourways to test for any ecessive bleeding or croaking. Bleeding is the leaking of small amounts of excess dye molecules into your washing water.
Wash in plain water or use only a very little amount of eco-woolwash or dishwashing liquid. Wash your colours separately, soak for no longer than 20-30 minutes and rinse with cold water and then swatch.

HELP AND FEEDBACK

Some bleeding isn't a cause of alarm, unless it bleeds excessively and changes colours drastically. Please help us with our quality control and contact us when you experience this. You can contact us at any time through the email contact@alltkemi.com.

GALLERY