Beakers. One or two sets of plastic beakers in a variety of sizes including 1000 ml, 500 ml, 250 ml, 100 ml and 50 ml is useful to have.
Graduated cylinders. For measuring liquid volumes. It is useful to have a set of graduated cylinders in a variety of sizes including 1000 ml, 500 ml, 250 ml, 100 ml and 50 ml.
pH paper. For measuring the pH of the dye bath.
Plastic Syringes. 3-ml and 10-ml plastic syringes for measuring small volumes of dye stock solution and other liquids.
Scale for weighing dyes. A 100g x 0.01g digital scale to weigh dye powders and small amounts of auxillary chemicals.
Scale for weighing fiber. A small kitchen scale or postal scale for weighing fibers and amounts of auxillary chemicals greater than 100 grams.
Small spoons. Plastic or stainless steel spoons for handling dye powders and other chemicals when weighing. Stainless steel demitasse spoons are an excellent and inexpensive option.
Thermometer. For measuring the temperature of the dye bath. A candy thermometer is suitable.
Weigh boats. Small plastic cups or condiment cups are also good for weighing dye powder and small amounts of auxillary chemicals.
Canning jars. For dyeing small amounts of fiber, use 8 oz., 16 oz. or 32 oz. jars.
Dye pots. Stainless steel or enamel pots for immersion dyeing. Choose a size large enough to allow the fiber to swim freely in the dye bath.
Slow cooker. Choose a size large enough for the fiber to swim freely in the dye bath.
Large, long-handled spoons. For stirring the dye bath and manipulating the fiber. Use plastic or stainless steel spoons.
Plastic shower curtain rings. For handling dip-dyed skeins.
Rack. For drying fiber.
Foam brushes
Plastic spray bottles
Plastic squeeze bottles
Plastic syringes
Apron
Disposable particle mask. Wear while measuring dye powder to prevent inhalation of dye particles.
Respirator mask. Wear a dual cartridge respirator mask with acid gas cartridges while handling particularly harsh chemicals such as Wool Assistant SBS.
Rubber, latex or nitrile gloves
Safety glasses. Always wear safety glasses while working in the dye studio.
Buckets or tubs. For soaking fiber before dyeing and rinsing fiber after dyeing.
Calculator
Disposable paper tablecloths. Plastic-lined paper tablecloths for covering and protecting work surfaces.
Funnel. For pouring liquids into bottles.
Masking tape. For labeling purposes.
Notepad
Paper towels
Pen
Permanent markers. For labeling purposes.
Plastic bottles. Plastic beverage bottles of various sizes with tightly fitting caps for storing dye stock solutions and other solutions.
Plastic wrap
Undyed cotton string. For securing skeins yarn prior to dyeing.
Albegal SET. Liquid dyeing assistant used in conjunction with the Sabraset Dyes. To be added to the dye bath to obtain level shades. To prepare a 10% stock solution, add 10 ml of Albegal SET for each 90 ml of water.
Ammonium Sulfate. A mild acid forming salt used with WashFast Acid Dyes. Used as a fixative and also to insure levelness for light to medium shades.
Citric Acid Crystals. An odorless acid used as a fixative for acid dyes.
Common Salt. A non-iodized common household salt used in acid dye baths to help drive the dye into the fiber.
Glauber Salt. Sodium Sulfate. Used in place of common salt when dyeing wool, nylon and silk with acid dyes. May also be used with reactive dyes, especially Turquoise, to increase color yield.
Soda Ash. Sodium Carbonate. An alkali fixative for fiber reactive dyes.
Sodium Acetate. Used with Sabraset dyes, sodium acetate works with acetic acid (vinegar) to form a buffer that helps to maintain the pH of the dye bath and also acts as a leveling agent.
Sodium Bisulfate. Sodium Acid Sulfate. Forms a very strong acid when dissolved in water. It is corrosive to skin and eyes in solution. Can be used for immersion dyeing of wool with PRO MX reactive dyes.
Synthrapol. A concentrated liquid wetting agent. To prepare a 10% stock solution, add 10 ml of Synthrapol for each 90 ml of water.
Urea. Used as a humectant with fiber reactive dyes. A little urea added to fiber reactive dye stock solutions also helps to dissolve the dye.
Wool Assistant SBS. A Sodium Bisulfite compound added to the dye bath when dyeing wool with fiber reactive dyes. Allows more uniform dyeing, not otherwise obtainable. Use a respirator with Acid Cartridges, while working with it in the powder and mixed form.