Gina Rockenwagner

Posted on: Marshmallow DK Non superwash Spark SuperwashJanuary 12, 2021

Superwash vs Non Superwash Wool: Conventional Acid Dyes

“What is the difference between superwash and non superwash wool?” is a question we often hear at KNOMAD! The unique array of wool options we offer at KNOMAD, including superwash and non superwash, or natural wool, prompts one to wonder what makes each wool we offer so special. We are going to explore the differences between these wools, not only on a technical level, but on a visual level as well, today!

When you look at raw, unprocessed wool, you might notice that it has a curly, textured appearance. This is called crimp, because the individual fibres are crinkled or crimped in appearance. Wool’s crimped structure gives it the ability to hold air, which makes fabric made from wool warm. But to get to the crux of superwash wool vs, non superwash wool, we have to look a little closer than we can see with the naked eye.

Using a microscope to investigate a single strand of wool further, you would notice the strand has tiny scales covering its surface. These scales give wool some of its signature properties, beyond warmth. The scales of the hairs lock together like Velcro, which makes it easy to spin wool into yarn or thread. With enough heat, agitation, and moisture, these scales can become permanently locked together. Wool fibres that are permanently locked together are called felt. Felt has many practical uses, but sometimes we want to work with wool in ways that run the risk of turning the wool into felt. This is why superwash wool was developed. Superwash wool is treated in a special process that either removes the scales from the surface of the wool fibres, or applies a coating to the surface of the fibres. This process ensures that the wool won’t felt when exposed to heat, moisture and agitation.

This process of removing or coating the scales, also known as the superwash process, does create some differences in the finished yarn. Today we are going to dye two skeins of yarn to see how they each take dye. The superwash yarn we will use is MARSHMALLOW DK, 100% superwash merino wool. For the non superwash yarn, we will use SPARK 100% fine organic merino wool. Luckily, all our yarns are available as single skeins, so you don’t have to buy a whole bag to try this experiment for yourself!

MATERIALS

– 1 skein of KNOMAD SPARK – 100% fine organic merino wool (non superwash)

– 1 skein of KNOMAD MARSHMALLOW DK – 100% superwash merino wool
– Dharma Trading co dye for silk and wool. This color is Peach Blush
– Gram scale
– Two cups to mix the dye in
– Citric acid powder
– Metal chafing pan at least 3 inches deep, or a metal pot you don’t use for food
– A measuring spoon. Any size will work.
– Your regular set up for heat setting yarn
– Optional: two zip ties

SOAK THE YARN

Loop a zip tie around each skein of yarn, if you are using them.
Soak the yarn in lukewarm water with a dash of citric acid for about 1 hour.

MIX AND MEASURE THE DYE

Make sure to always protect yourself with gloves and a respirator whenever you work with dye in its powder form. A dust mask is not enough protection to safely work with dye powder! You should keep your own set of tools for dyeing. These tools should never be used to prepare or serve food.
Use the gram scale to weigh out the dye and citric acid in a cup.
I used 3 grams of dye and 1 gram of citric acid powder for each skein of yarn. Add hot water to the cup and use the spoon to mix the whole thing together.

DYE THE YARN

Fill your pan with about 2 inches of water. Add one of the cups of dye mix to the pan and stir.
Remove one skein from the soaking liquid, gently squeezing the excess liquid out of the yarn. Place the skein in the pan, using your gloved hands to spread out the skein.

Cover the pan and heat the yarn for 15 minutes.

RINSE AND DRY

Allow the yarn to cool completely.
Rinse and dry the yarn as you normally would.

Repeat the above two steps with the other skein of yarn.

Now lets compare the two skeins of yarn.

Superwash wool absorbs dye readily and quickly. Non superwash wool, on the other hand, takes a little longer on the heat to soak up the dye. This is why you will notice the bare core of the yarn showing through more on the superwash yarn. The surface of the yarn immediately absorbs the dye before the color can penetrate the center of the yarn. The non superwash yarn doesn’t absorb the color as quickly, so the dye has time to soak into the center of the yarn.

Superwash wool also has a slightly shinier appearance compared to natural wool. Since it refracts more light, this makes the color appear lighter. All the scales on non superwash wool absorb light, making the non superwash yarn appear darker.

What other differences do you notice between the two yarns? Let us know in the comments!

Enjoy your finished yarn! Make sure to tag us using #Knomadyarn so we can see all your fabulous projects.