| When we talk about dyes, we refer to a color which | | | | Walnut, White Birch, Coffee Grinds. Tea, Beetroot... |
| is produced especially by soaking in a coloring solution. | | | | - Shade of pink from Strawberries, Cherries, |
| Dyeing is a process where colors are imparted on a | | | | Raspberries, Roses . |
| product, may be food, textiles or cosmetics or for any | | | | And many more |
| industrial application. Dye or Dyestuff is a colored | | | | How to dye naturally ? |
| substance which imparts more or less permanent | | | | When gathering plant stuff for dyeing, never gather |
| color to other materials. | | | | more than 2/3 of a stand of anything in the wild. |
| Many dyes are available and they are formed by | | | | To set the color on the fabric, you should place the |
| different ways and used in different applications | | | | fabric in a color fixative such as salt water (1 part salt |
| depending on the manufacturing process. Dyes can be | | | | to 16 parts water) or a vinegar bath (1 part vinegar to |
| formed by using artificial means like using chemicals, | | | | 4 parts water). Keep the fabric for about an hour and |
| acids etc. However, dyes can also formed in a natural | | | | allow it to absorb the fixative mix. After removing it |
| way. Though it might sound strange, but it is a fact that | | | | from fixative, wring it out thoroughly. |
| natural dyes can be found right in your own garden. | | | | Make the dye solution by chopping the plant material |
| Your own back yard is a great source for natural | | | | into small pieces. Place it in a pot, add water in it, |
| dyes. The various parts of a plant like flowers, roots, | | | | double the quantity of water to plant material. Next, boil |
| nuts can be used to get many colors. To use the plant | | | | the water with the plant material, then simmer for |
| material for dyeing, you should remember that the | | | | about an hour. Strain. Now add your wet fabric to be |
| flowers should be in full bloom, the fruit should be ripe | | | | dyed. If you want a stronger shade, allow the fabric to |
| and the nut should be mature. So you should be | | | | soak in the dye overnight. This is called dye bath. Rinse |
| careful while choosing the plant material. The plants | | | | the material and squeeze out excess. Rinse in cool |
| bring out vibrant colors that create a palette that is | | | | water . The color of the fabric will be lighter when its |
| compatible and blends with each other. | | | | dry. |
| Colors derived from various plants | | | | Note: Cotton, Silk, Muslin, and Wool work best for |
| - Shades of orange / yellow from Bloodroot, Onion | | | | natural dyes and the lighter the fabric in color, the |
| skin, Carrot ... | | | | better is the dyeing. Always wash separately naturally |
| - Shades of brown from Wild plum root, Oak bark, | | | | dyed fabrics in cold water . |