Systems and methods for intermittently colored yarn

A method for spinning yarn, the method comprising:

• extruding filaments;
• combining the filaments to form a multi-filament yarn;
• drawing the yarn;
• bringing the yarn to an elevated temperature;
• ejecting the yarn from a bulking jet at an elevated temperature;
• impinging the yarn to form a yarn caterpillar;
• applying dye to the yarn caterpillar;
• and
• cooling the dyed yarn caterpillar.

A system for spinning yarn, the system comprising:

• a bulking jet configured to eject yarn at an elevated temperature and a high velocity;
• a bulking device having an outer surface, the bulking device being configured to receive the ejected yarn and abruptly impede its travel so that the yarn bunches on the outer surface and forms a yarn caterpillar;
• and
• a spray nozzle positioned adjacent the bulking device outer surface.

A system for spinning yarn, the system comprising:

• a bulking jet configured to make a yarn plug,
• a bulking device having an outer surface, the bulking device being configured to receive the yarn plug and to form a yarn caterpillar resting on the outer surface of the bulking device;
• and
• a spray nozzle positioned adjacent to the bulking device outer surface.

A method for making a mirror imaged dyed synthetic yarn, the method comprising:

• extruding synthetic polymer into filaments;
• quenching said filaments in air;
• bringing the filaments together to form a yarn;
• bulk texturing said yarn;
• impinging said yarn into caterpillar form;
• applying a dye preventing agent selected from the group consisting of stain resists, colorless base dyes and bleaching agents to the yarn while the yarn is in caterpillar form;
• and optionally subsequently dyeing the yarn.