Dye-Lishus® cotton is undyed cotton that has been pre-treated to modify the cellulose so that it attracts and holds dyes without the use of extra chemicals. It is pre-scoured and behaves as if pre-mordanted.
The cotton is treated in the fiber form before being spun or woven. The cellulose structure is changed so that it behaves as if scoured and mordanted in preparation for dyeing before it goes to the mill; there is no chemical added to the fiber and it is Oekotex certifiable. Woven side by side with untreated cotton, the Dye-Lishus® cotton yarn will accept the dye and the untreated cotton may stay white or may take on a pale tint, depending on the dye and the concentration. Using it with untreated cotton allows the development of woven patterns.
- 50% organic cotton / 50% Dye-Lishus® cotton
- Approx. 3.5 oz. skeins, Approx. 312 yards
- 18 wraps per inch
- Use in a rigid heddle loom with either 8 or 10 dent reed
- Dyes great with acid dyes, fiber reactive dyes, natural dyes, and iDye
- Great for weaving, but can be used for knitting as well.
If you would like a sample of this yarn, check out our yarn sample page here.
Made in: UNITED STATES (USA)
Dye-Lishus® Instructions - Usage Instructions
Simply wash the yarn or fabric in hot soapy water. For a really quick wetting out, make a solution of 1 part alcohol to 2 parts water. Ethyl alcohol from the pharmacy or Everclear are preferred. Submerge the fiber, it only takes seconds, then rinse well.
Add dye to warm tap water and enter the wet fiber. You can also use cold water if you allow it to soak a few hours.
You need much less dye than usual; if you are using natural dyes, you can use the amount called for in a wool recipe.
For sliver, use 1/2 or less dye than the dye package instructions suggest.
For yarn, use 1/4 or less dye.
Stir and soak for 15 minutes in hot water, or soak longer in cold water.
Rinse, dry, done!
Dye-Lishus® FAQ
Q: Is this cotton mercerized?
A: No. It has been scoured under alkaline conditions, but the alkalinity is not enough for mercerization to occur.
Q: Is this cotton bleached?
A: No. The treated cotton, however, is easily bleached by soaking in hydrogen peroxide.
Q: Will the mordant wash out if I wash it first?
A: No, the treatment is a permanent change to the structure of the cellulose; there is no mordant to wash out.
Q: Can I mordant Dye-Lishus® cotton?
A:Yes; mordant with any cotton mordant.
Q: How safe is it to handle this pretreated fabric? Are the chemicals proven safe for bare hands?
A: Very safe. The structure of the cellulose is changed, and although the cotton is put through a chemical treatment in order to do that, there is no residue left on the cotton. The fiber is Oekotex certifiable, and I have heard from chemically sensitive people that they have had no problem with it.
Q: What mordant did you use?
A: There is actually not a mordant on the cotton. The cotton has been treated to alter the structure of the cellulose and the chemical is washed off. (The same is true of mercerized cotton--the cotton is treated and the chemical used to treat it is washed off.)
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