Natural Dyes
NATURAL DYES
"Creating dyes by using a range of natural sources to colour fabrics. This method is much more environmentally friendly than using most shop bought dyes."
This blog explores a range of natural dyes with step by step instructions, measurements and discussion of outcomes. The fabric that I have used for these samples is a plain light weight cotton material. Other materials can be used such as silk; however through experiments the silk fabrics were not as as vibrant in my tests. You should begin by washing any fabrics that you are going to use to remove any chemicals that the fabrics may have been treated with, you can do this by rinsing them under water. I do not add any detergents when I wash fabrics for dying.
BEETROOT MIX
The first natural material I have explored is a beetroot; I found beetroot has an extremely strong colour that stains the fabric really well. You also do not have to use a lot of beetroot to colour the fabric.
To create the dye I have chopped the beetroot and added it to a pan. I have then added 3 cups of boiled water and immersed the fabric. Once all of the ingredients have been combined I have boiled the mixture for 30 minutes. Once cooled I left the fabric to soak in the beetroot dye for 1 week. After a week I have then removed the fabric from the mixture and allowed to dry.
COFFEE MIX
I found that coffee creates a great weathered effect to the fabric giving a tarnished tone. The mixture is also extremely easy to create; simply add the coffee to 1 cup of boiling water and soak the fabric for 20 minutes. This technique is fast and efficient and great to explore. You can soak the fabric for a variety of times to see what effects you can achieve.
SPINACH STAIN
I love the minty tones that this dye creates to the fabric, I found that it creates a tone of green that I did not expect, most natural green dyes can be quite dull, but this tone is refreshing.
To make this dye you will need a pan, spinach, boiled water and your fabric. First place the spinach in the pan with the fabric then add 4 cups of boiled water. For this sample I used 180grams of spinach.
Boil the spinach with the fabric for 30 minutes; for this process I usually use a medium heat. Additionally, ensure that the pan does not boil dry add a little more water if needed.
Once boiled allow to cool and leave the fabric to soak for 1 week; you can experiment with the tones you create by leaving the fabric in the dye for shorter or longer periods of time.
Once you are happy remove the fabric and allow to dry.
PAPRIKA DYE
This dye creates a rustic orange tone to the fabric; it is also extremely simple to make.
Begin by placing 2 tablespoons of paprika into a bowl then add hot water. Stir well to ensure the paprika dissolves into the water otherwise it will stick to the fabric in clumps and create an uneven tone. Once dissolved add the fabric to the liquid and leave to soak for 20 minutes; after 20 minutes remove the fabric and lightly rinse the fabric before allowing to dry. The paprika dye can cause the fabric texture to become rough if unrinsed ad the spices will attach themselves to the material.
BLUEBERRY STAIN
To create the dye I have diced the blueberries and added them to a pan. I have then added 2 cups of boiled water and immersed the fabric. Once all of the ingredients have been combined I have boiled the mixture for 30 minutes. Once cooled I left the fabric to soak in the blueberry dye for 1 week. After a week I have then removed the fabric from the mixture and allowed to dry.
The dye creates a tone between blue and purple.
TEA STAIN
This dye creates a muted tone to the fabric; it is also extremely simple to make.
Begin by placing 4 - 8 teabags into a bowl; if you wish to make a darker dye you can use more teabags a lighter dye can be made from just 4 teabags. Add the fabric to the liquid I usually soak the fabric for around 20 minutes however you can also explore tones by leaving the fabric in the dye for longer. This dye creates a neutral tone to the fabric and would be interesting to experiment with lace fabrics to create tarnished effects.
CORIANDER DYE
This dye creates a delicate green tone to the fabric. The tones is quite fresh and a contrast to the minty tones of the spinach dye.
To create the dye I have shredded 2 handfuls of coriander into a pan and added 3 cups of boiled water.
Then I have placed the fabric into the pan and boiled for 30 minutes. The fabric is then soaked in the coriander mix for 1 week to allow the colour to take. You can also experiment by increasing the amount of coriander you add to the mixture.
MIXED SPICE
This dye creates a light stone colour to the fabric; it is also extremely simple to make.
Begin by placing 2 tablespoons of mixed spice into a bowl then add 1 cup of boiled water. Stir well to ensure the mixed spice dissolves into the water otherwise it will stick to the fabric in clumps and create an uneven tone. Once dissolved add the fabric to the liquid and leave to soak for 20 minutes; after 20 minutes remove the fabric and lightly rinse the fabric before allowing to dry.
RED CABBAGE DYE
Red cabbage creates a strong colour to the fabric but can also create an uneven tone. However I love the variation of colour it creates to the fabric.
To make this dye you will need a pan, a whole red cabbage, boiled water and your fabric. First cut the cabbage and place in the pan with the fabric then add 4 cups of boiled water.
Boil the cabbage with the fabric for 40 minutes; for this process I usually use a medium heat. Additionally, ensure that the pan does not boil dry add a little more water if needed.
Once boiled allow to cool and leave the fabric to soak for 1 week; you can experiment with the tones you create by leaving the fabric in the dye for shorter or longer periods of time.
Once you are happy remove the fabric and allow to dry.
TURMERIC DYE
Turmeric makes a fantastic natural dye; the colour is bold and vibrant and the spice dye is quick and easy to make. Begin by placing 2 tablespoons of turmeric into a bowl then add 1 cup of boiled water. Stir well to ensure the spice dissolves into the water otherwise it will stick to the fabric in clumps and create an uneven tone. Once dissolved add the fabric to the liquid and leave to soak for 20 minutes; after 20 minutes remove the fabric and lightly rinse the fabric before allowing to dry. If the spice does not completely dissolve do not worry you can rinse any excess spices away after soaking.
FIXATIVES
Fixatives ensure that the colour has set into fabric and allows for the fabric to be washed.
There are various techniques that you can experiment with.
Vinegar
A vinegar fixative, is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.
Which you simmer with the fabric for an hour.
Salt
A salt fixative uses 1 part salt to 12 parts water.
Which you simmer with the fabric for an hour.
Alum
Alum can be purchased and is often found in supermarkets.
This can be added while dying the fabric and is the most
popular method.
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