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How to Dye Fabric with Natural Dyes

Hello there! I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I want to share the best practice that I’ve found for dyeing a piece of fabric in a natural dye bath. By now, you’ve probably mordanted your fabric in some way or another and created a natural dye bath. Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for… the dipping! Below I will share the ways I’ve learned to apply even color on the fabric and how to get the most use out of the dye bath’s color so nothing goes to waste.

Video, Recipe, and Steps below . . .

In the following video I share the process of dyeing fabric a single color. Here I am using cotton that has been scoured and then mordanted with Alum and Calcium Carbonate.

Some of the fabric you see has already been dyed with indigo. Over-dyeing fabric is a wonderful way to unlock new colors. The dye baths you see here are Osage Orange Woodchips & Madder Root.

SUPPLIES

- Natural Dye Bath (strained of plant material if you prefer)

- Fiber (Ex: cotton, hemp, linen, wool, silk, etc.)

-Large strainer

- Stirring Spoons

- Kitchen Scale

-Outdoor Cooking Stove

-Extra Bowls (to move fabric to sink)

  • Try looking for supplies at second hand stores for low prices.

  • Use separate supplies for natural dyeing from your everyday kitchen cooking supplies.

STEPS:

  • If your dye bath has not already been boiled and left overnight, you’ll need to let it simmer for 60-90 min. before adding fabric.

1) Bring your dye bat to a hot simmer.

2) Strain you plant materials into another pot or bucket

Then add dye back into your pot.

3) Wet fiber to be dyed with warm water.

  • Be sure to wet every part of the fabric thoroughly

4) Add the fibers one at a time, opening up the fabric as you immerse it in the bath.

  • You want the fibers to be able to move loosely as you stir, so don’t stuff the bath with too many pieces.

6) Leave fibers in for 60-90 min

  • The amount of time will really depend on your desired effect. Keep in mind that the colors you see wet will lighten a couple shades when fully dry.

7) You can leave fibers in your bath overnight to try for deeper results.

8) Remove your fibers and rinse until water is fairly clear.

  • You can use a bowl to catch your runoff and reuse to water plants.

9) Hang your fibers to dry in the shade

  • Direct sunlight has the potential to lighten your color

Carly Lake