Simple Natural Dye Project: Using what you have
Linen samples using Tea & Coffee
As many of us are in lockdown whether voluntarily or mandatory now is as good a time as any to distract ourselves with some simple projects. Considering that many of us can’t leave our homes & some of us may be feeling the economic pinch, this project is based on using food or food waste you may have without having to purchase anything. Here’s an easy natural dye project you can do at home with a few simple ingredients.
In order to keep things simple & skip the mordanting part which I spoke about in a previous article, you will need to choose ingredients that have Tannin or Tannic Acid in them. The tannic acid naturally present in various ingredients will act as a mordant, fixing the colour to the fabric and increasing wash and lightfastness. A few things that are high in tannin are yellow onion skins, avocado stones, black tea or coffee. All you need for this project is a pot, whichever dye you choose & something to dye, water and your stove.
As you will all be using different size pots, don’t get caught up on quantities or ratios at the moment. Just use what you have and see this as an exploratory project. If using avocado stones you will need at least 4, if using tea bags I would recommend at least 10 & for onion skins the skin from at least 5 onions. Of course, if you want to add more to get a stronger dye please do. You will need something to dye, maybe a pillowcase, napkins or an old top that you no longer wear. I would recommend starting with something cream, white or off white in colour. You will need to wash what you have to remove the oils. Do this by washing with either 1 teaspoon of dish soap or 1 tsp of baking powder ( do not add detergent ).
Materials
Water
Strainer
Dish soap
Cooking pot
Something to dye , we recommend any of our dye ready 100% linens
Natural dye ingredient
Steps
Linen swatches dyed with hibiscus, avocado stones & yellow onion skins
1. Fill a pot with water & add dye ingredients, bring to boil & reduce to simmer.
3. Simmer noticing when water starts to change colour and dye is released, this will be different depending on dye ingredient used.
4. Strain dye ingredients, top-up water if needed & add material making sure piece has enough space to move around freely, do not cram the pot.
5. Keep on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally, leave the item in the pot until it starts to take up the dye & you are happy with the colour. This will be different for everyone & could range from 10 minutes to overnight, again depending on the colour you like & what dye you use. When satisfied remove from the pot.
6. You can hand or machine wash as normal.
Linen dyed with avocado stones
Something to note, depending on what you choose to dye with each will take different times to release the colour. Tea and coffee will be the quickest with avocado stones taking a few hours to release the dye.
FS Bleached Dye Ready 100% Linen
About Author
Kathryn Davey
Kathryn is a natural dyer based in Dublin, Ireland. She runs a successful studio producing a range of plant-dyed accessories & homewares. Kathryn also teaches ongoing natural dye workshops in Dublin, London and elsewhere.Leave a comment
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7 Comments
Cathy Cole
Thanks, Kathryn. I’m anxious to try it.
Yesterday I used some leftover purple cabbage (with apple cider vinegar) for a lovely lavender. Today I tried beets, and was surprised to get a beautiful buttery yellow. I’ll try avocado pits next.
This is a fun way to used some of my Fabric-Store linen; I’ll be using it for doll dresses.
Hope you post again!
Cathy
Kathryn Davey
Hi Cathy,
Sorry for my delay in responding to you. Delighted to hear you are experimenting and getting beautiful colours. What a beautiful way to use fabric and make into doll dresses, I’m sure they are beautiful x Kathryn
Cathy Cole
LOVE the article on natural dyes, and am excited to give it a try.
My question is this – I love the dusty pink color, but can’t tell from the article or photo what is used. I can see something dark and wrinkled in the photo near that fabric but can’t tell what it is.
Thanks SO MUCH for your help.
Cathy Cole
Patricia Robinett
hibiscus?
Kathryn Davey
Thanks Patricia, yes its hibiscus in the photo x
Cathy Cole
That’s great. I’ll ask my daughter in Florida to save some for me!
Kathryn Davey
Hi Cathy, Thank you so much, so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Yes, Patricia is correct the thing in the photo is Hibiscus however the dusty pink colour was achieved by using avocado stones, x Kathryn