Wool Dyeing Calculator

Calculate dye quantities, mordant weight, and water volume for dyeing wool fibre

Input Details

Fibre Weight

100.0 g

Dye Bath Water

3.0 L

30:1 liquor ratio

Acid dye powder (Medium shade)

2.0 g

Mordant

Not required

Care Notes

  • Maintain dye bath at 80–95 °C for acid dyes — do not boil vigorously as this can felt wool.
  • Add a splash of white vinegar or citric acid to lower pH and fix the dye.
  • Allow fibre to cool slowly in the dye bath for even uptake; rinse in water of the same temperature.

Notes

  • OWF (On Weight of Fibre) is the standard method for calculating dye quantities — all percentages are relative to dry fibre weight.
  • Natural dye quantities are for dry plant material unless otherwise noted. Fresh plant material requires roughly 3× the weight of dried.
  • The 30:1 liquor ratio (mL water per g fibre) is a general guide — some recipes use higher ratios for better dye circulation.
  • Always test on a small sample first. Results vary with water pH, fibre type, and mordant quality.