Tip Tuesday: How to Manage Color Bleeding in Cotton Yarns

With the arrival of summer and temperatures on the rise, it’s officially cotton yarn season. Lightweight, breathable, and beautifully textured, cotton is a favorite for warm-weather knits—and our 100% organic cotton yarns Willet and Whimbrel are perfect for the job.

Because cotton yarns are often dyed in rich, saturated shades, you may notice a little extra color in your blocking water—especially during the first wash. This is perfectly natural. It’s typically just residual dye releasing when the fibers are fully immersed for the first time.

The good news? With a few thoughtful steps, it’s easy to manage minimal color bleeding and keep your finished pieces looking crisp and fresh. Here are a few gentle, tried-and-true techniques to help you knit with confidence.

Pre-Knitting

1. Swatch and Soak First

Before beginning your project, knit a swatch and give it a soak. This quick step helps you check for any excess dye and decide whether pre-treatment is needed. It’s also a great opportunity to see how your cotton yarn softens and relaxes after blocking.

2. Try a Salt + Vinegar Soak 

For added peace of mind—especially when working with light-colored yarns or high-contrast colorwork—try a classic salt-and-vinegar soak, on your skein of yarn, to help set any remaining dye before you start stitching.

To make the soak:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons salt

• Enough warm water to fully submerge the yarn

Soak for about one hour, rinse gently in warm water, and lay flat to dry. You can repeat this process once or twice, or until the rinse water runs clear.

 

Post-Knitting

3. Wash Gently

When your project is complete, hand wash in cool to warm water using a gentle wool wash or pH-neutral soap. Avoid vigorous agitation, rinse thoroughly, and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. This helps protect your fabric, color, and stitchwork.

4. Blot—Don’t Rub

If you notice any color transfer on damp fabric, gently blot with a clean, damp cloth rather than rubbing. Rubbing can push dye deeper into the fibers, while blotting helps lift it away.

5. For Light Colors: Lemon Juice + Sunlight

If dye transfers onto very pale or white yarn, dab the area with lemon juice and place the piece in direct sunlight for a few hours. This natural brightening method works well on light colors—just avoid using it on deeper shades, as lemon juice can act as a mild bleach.

6. Baking Soda Paste for Spot Treatment

To brighten or lift small spots of color, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply it to the area, let it sit for 30–60 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This method is gentle and especially effective on light-colored cotton.

Final Tip

Some color release is a normal part of working with richly dyed natural fibers. But if you continue to see color bleeding after a few washes, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Swatch, soak, and care for your cotton projects with intention, and they’ll reward you with vibrant color that lasts for many seasons to come.

Ready to start stitching?

Explore our soft, sustainable cotton yarns—Willet and Whimbrel—and enjoy every stitch, knowing your work is made to last.