How to Successfully Pre-Wash Multiple Colours of Yarn Together!

When using multiple colours in the same project, it is a good idea to give them a pre-wash before you start. This way, you can see if any of them will bleed, which saves you from disappointment later when the project is finished. It is important to wash the skeins the same way you plan to treat the project. Water varies from city to city, detergents can affect bleeding, and even water temperature can influence what happens when the skeins are washed.

Washing each skein individually can be very time-consuming. In this video tutorial, Charlotte demonstrates how to pre-wash multiple skeins of yarn at the same time. We have also included written instructions below the video.

Materials and Tools Shown 

More About Charlotte Lee

Pre-Washing Multiple Colours

Charlotte recommends washing them together, adding one skein at a time. She begins with the darkest or most saturated colours, then slowly adds lighter skeins. This way, if they bleed, it is less likely to affect the ones already in the water.

If you want a full step-by-step on how to wash hand-dyed yarn, we have a tutorial called Benefits of Pre-Washing Hand-Dyed Yarn.

Adding a second skein to the wash
Adding a second skein to the wash.

Tinted Water

In this video, you will notice that the second skein Charlotte adds gives the water a slight green tint. This is not true bleeding. It is the loose pigment that remains on the yarn after dyeing. It is similar to washing new jeans, where the first few washes may tint the water but do not stain the rest of the laundry. This is why Charlotte always moves from darker to lighter skeins as a precaution.

If you see a lot of colour coming out, it could mean the yarn has not been set properly. Contact the dyer for advice, or they may offer to replace the skein. We don’t suggest using a skein that continues to bleed.

Clear to Keep Going!

If the water stays clear, keep adding skeins to the bath. Make sure there is plenty of space around each skein. Avoid letting them bunch together or stick out of the water. Add more water if needed, or switch to a larger container.

We hope this tutorial helps the next time you are about to start a large multi-colour project.

Multiple skeins washed together
Multiple skeins being washed together!

Do You Have Questions About How To Successfully Pre-Wash Multiple Colours of Yarn Together?

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Original publication: July 25, 2023; Refreshed: November 25, 2025

The post How to Successfully Pre-Wash Multiple Colours of Yarn Together! appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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