♥️ THE MORE YOU KNOW ♥️ Did you know that: There are 2 distinct fiber classifications that determine what dyes to use, when dying different types of fibers? 1- Protein Fibers (Animal): Wool, Silk, Yak, Mohair, Alpaca, Angora… any fiber that is grown and then sheared or plucked (in the case of angora rabbits), from the animal. ✨Acid Dyes are typically used for this dye process, but natural dyes can also be used. 2- Natural Fibers (Plants): Cotton, Rayon, Hemp, Linen, Wood, Corn…any fibers that are grown and harvested from plants. ✨Procion (or Fiber Reactive) Dyes, are typically used for this dye process, but again, natural dyes can be used. 💥Fun fact: you can not use acid dyes on natural fibers, and you can not use procion dyes on protein fibers, BUT, you can use natural dyes on both! ….BUT WHY? ✨During the acid dying process of protein fibers, a chemical bonding takes place between proteins found exclusively in animal fiber and the acid dye. When the dye and fibers are mixed together, the dye is activated and the process of activity seeking out the proteins to bind to is initiated; and with the help of a little heat and an acid….VWALLA! Dyed animal fiber! ✨A very similar process happens when dying plant fibers, the only difference is that the fiber and protein element has changed. Which is why a different type of dye is needed for this chemical bond. This is why you may see a wool and linen blend yarn, and the plant fiber is all white (or close to it) and the animal fiber has been dyed. Plant fibers do not have the ability to bond with acid dye, and wool does not have the ability to bond with Procion dyes. Betcha didn’t know all us indie dyers are actually conducting science experiments ever day, did ya?! 😁 #themoreyouknow #primroseyarnco #indiedyer #indiedyed #handdyed #handdyedwool #americanwool #handdyedfiber #handdyedroving #indiedyersofinstagram #indiedyersofig #indiedyersoninstagram #indiedyerofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHhpz8v-a6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
