Description: A variation in plain-yarn dyeing is space dyeing, in which the yarns, either Warp or filling are dyed by dipping or spotting various parts along the yarn.
Yarn that is space dyed is dyed at intervals along its length. One procedure is the knit-deknit method in which the yarn is knitted on either a circular or flat bed knitting machine set to produce the desired size of loop. The knitted cloth is then dyed, and it is subsequently deknitted. The dye penetrates the loops of the yarn but since it does not readily penetrate the areas of the yarn. Where it crosses itself, alternating dyed and undyed spaces appear. Variations in hue and heather effect are possible in the fabric subsequently produced.
Another technique, the OPI space Dye Applicator, produces multicolored space dyed yarns. It was designed for use on knitted and carpet yarns. The yarns are dyed intermittently as they run at high speeds of up to 1000 yards per minute through space dye baths with continuous subjection to shock waves produced by compressed air assuming supersonic velocities.
Suitability:
This gives a streaky appearance to the fabric that is woven from space dyed yarns.
On wool, space dyeing is affected by knit process.
The fabric that is knitted is sparsely dyed and then deknitted to be used in other fabric constructions. Another technique of space dyeing involves dyeing the yarns intermittently very fast, as they are passed.
Yarn dyeing is less costly than stock or top dyeing because the processes are more productive.
Yarn dyeing permits excellent penetration of dye in to the fibre and thus produces a great clarity of colour.
Yarn dyed fabrics tend to be more colour fast than those dyed after the fabric is woven.
When yarns are dyed separately, interesting colour effects can be introduced in to the weaving process by combining yarns of different colours.
In general, yarn dyeing is less labor intensive than fibre dyeing.
Yarn dyeing permits the use of variously coloured yarns in a single fabric, thus giving the designer latitude in creating plaids, checks, stripes, muted colour arrangements and iridescent effects.
Demerits:
The major disadvantage of yarn dyeing is the sensitive timing. Applying colour so early in the production stage means that colour forecast must be extremely accurate to provide adequate yarn for fabric production and avoid a costly oversupply.
Participants