Woolen garment to be dyed

[Seagull]

My wife is resolved to changing the colour of a hardly worn, but treasured jumper, from off white, to an assertive shade of violet.

Never having done anything like this before, she has ordered some Dylon dye.
"It's got salts in it and you just chuck it in the machine", apparently .

Anyone have any hints or whatnot, that might ensure a 'good job' is done.

And, why has the dye got salt in it?

Ceeg

 

[Mesquite]

Follow the instructions very carefully and make sure the dye your wife bought is suitable for woolen garments.

The salt acts as a mordant to help fix the dye onto the material being dyed

 

[Macaroon]

If it's a treasured woolen don't put it anywhere near the sort of programs and temps. those dyes need; you won't get the same jumper out as you put in.

Organic dye is what you need, and soaking with minimal agitation so as not to ruin the wool. We have a resident expert on this in our midst and I'd be very surprised if she doesn't spot this and tell you all you need to know.

 

[starsailor]

Don't put it in the washing machine; Dylon do a good range of dyes for hand dyeing, so choose one of those : http://www.dylon.co.uk/en/home/products/hand-dye.cky.html
Easy to use, good clear instructions and fairly cheap.
I've used them many times over the years with good results. I'd also advise washing the jumper separately for the first few times afterwards in case of any loose dye.
Salt acts as a fixative for the dye, rather than a mordant, which is used to treat the fabric/fibre prior to dyeing. Check the fibre content of the garment against the instructions on the dye.

HTH