Natural Dyeing: Foraging For Dyes
One of the most exciting aspects of natural dyeing is foraging for colour around you. There are so many incredible dyes available to us in the natural world & you don’t have to look too far to access these. Recently I have been spending more time foraging for dyes & every time I gather I am amazed at the abundance of natural colour in my locality. I am finding dye plants in the park, down by the river, in the lane behind my studio, in the cracks in the pavement by the side of the road. Many of these dyes are considered weeds which is ironic as a weed is often classed as something that is not valuable. Sometimes there is so much value in the most unassuming of plants & places.
If you have never foraged before and are unsure where to start, take a walk in your area, somewhere that the plants grow wild and free. That could be your local park, in a field close to your house, maybe a green patch on your way to work. Take a moment to stop and look around you. What trees do you see? What “weeds” are growing rampant? What flowers grow in abundance. All these plants hold the colours of your area. The more time you spend observing, the more you will come to both identify and learn about these plants. There are lots of local foraging groups & forums that will help educate you on what you can eat, what’s safe & what to stay away from.
Many plants that give colour are also sources of nourishment, rich in vitamins and minerals when added to our diet. Take nettle, for example, the leaves can be made into soup, the tea is known to reduce inflammation in the body and as a dye, it can yield beautiful shades of tan, Khaki, and rich greens. The leaves and flowers of dandelion yield beautiful shades of yellows and greens and as a tea, it is good for digestion, liver and rich source of vitamin A & K.
Before you begin foraging there are a few things to keep in mind:
It’s always best to gather after heavy winds, that way you can pick what has fallen from the tree.
Always choose to forage from plants that are growing in abundance & if possible gather what has fallen first before taking from the plant or tree.
Only take a small amount from each plant, leaving enough for the plant to continue to thrive.
When taking bark from a tree, try to gather what the tree has naturally shed. If you peel the bark off you could make it vulnerable to pests or infections.
Do your research before gathering, some plants are poisonous & can be hidden amongst that which is safe.
When foraging for wild material make sure to bring a basket or something to hold your foraged goods, a sharp utility scissors will come in handy and a pair of gloves to protect your hands from harm. If you do go foraging or have experience foraging for food or dyes be sure to comment below & let me know what you have found in your area.
Be safe & have fun xo
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 Reply to Sandy Francsak Cancel reply
Related posts
Tutorial: How to Make Fabric Buttons
If you’ve ever considered trying fabric covered buttons, this is one of my favorite projects and I am delighted to encourage you to try them. I hadn’t made the buttons with linen before so I was so excited about this project. When I first made fabric covered buttons years ago, I chose cottons with tiny…
From Farming to Folk Art: Sara Buscaglia
There is a remarkable symbiosis between Sara Buscaglia’s life and work; she seamlessly blends her charmingly old school textile art – mostly exquisitely handcrafted quilts, but also knitting and clothing – with running a successful and prolific organic farm, where she is currently raising a family of four children alongside her husband. Based in La…
Tutorial: How to Trace Off a RTW Garment
You know that one well-worn, probably damaged-beyond-repair item in your closet you bought off the rack ages ago that you still hold on to because you just love the way it looks and fits? Or maybe it’s a garment you think would look amazing in another fabric that the original wasn’t offered in? Well, have…
Tutorial: How To Make A Quilted Linen Vest
A few years ago, I started to play with quilting clothes. The first few pieces turned out less than ideal. I didn’t know the paths to avoid the foibles of quilting. But after a few playful experiments and failed garments, things started to fall into place. I’ve put together this tutorial to share the things…
Tutorial: Valentine’s Day Treat Bags
Most people usually say their favorite holiday is Christmas. Occasionally, you’ll hear someone claim New Year’s Eve, some may say Thanksgiving… but mine is Valentine’s Day, without a doubt. All the pinks and reds, laces and ruffles, themed treats and gifts; it’s so much fun! As a maker, I find myself always looking for opportunities…
SEW THIS LOOK
Latest Posts
5 Comments
Lyndsay Dunne
Hi
I am experimenting with natural dyes for an art project and looking for a rich green colour. My project involves foraging for the natural colours in my local woodland and bogs in Co Mayo. I have managed to get a super pale green from nettles but need a stronger tone. Also any natural blues would be great. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. The dyes do not have to be colourfast.
Thanks
Lyndsay
Trish Seifert
I just returned from helping my youngest daughter and her husband settle in with their newborn son. They live in Montana and have a big oak tree in their yard. Are acorns useful for dying? I thought it would be fun to dye a linen or cotton blanket for him from acorns off the oak tree in his first backyard. ?
I get so excited when I see a new post from you!
Kathy Stanwood
Waiting just a bit longer for my favorite to forage – pokeweed is nearly ready as long as the birds don’t get to it first!
Trish Seifert
Do you use pokeweed for dyes? What colors do you get?
Sandy Francsak
Good morning
I am just learning to natural dye thanx to fabric-store
I have a beautiful horse chestnut tree in my yard with an abundance on nuts this year
They can not be eaten but are good for varicose veins and Hemorrhoids Have you ever dyed with horse chestnuts?
And do you recommend a good natural dying book which is also easy I’m looking for a book rather then ebook
Thank you and I follow your blog here on fabric store
Sandy