IN THIS LESSON

Importance of Safety

Embarking on a journey with natural dye requires a careful and attentive approach.

To ensure a seamless experience when using natural dye, it's crucial to read this guide thoroughly before beginning. It's essential not to use your regular kitchenware for this process. Instead, it's best to use an old/decommissioned pot or purchase a new one specifically for this purpose (the latter if you intend to do more natural dye projects). You may be surprised to find an old pot in your possession or locate one at a local second-hand shop. The pot should be of a minimum diameter of 26cm to accommodate the steam basket (it may be helpful to take the steam basket with you when you are looking for a pot).

Additionally, be mindful of the steam emanating from the pot and the heat of the textile when it's finished in the dye pot. To avoid injury, use tongs or an old tea towel to handle the textile and take caution when working with hot steam. Allow the textile to cool down before unraveling it. Finally, make sure you conduct this process in a well-ventilated area.

Using natural dyes can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the success of your project. In addition to using a designated pot for dyeing, it's also important to prepare your fabric, we have done this step for you but for future projects the textile needs to be scored. You can experiment with different materials such as onion skins, avocado pits, and even flowers to create unique colors. It's important to note that natural dyes may fade over time, so it's best to store your dyed textiles away from direct sunlight. With some patience and creativity, you can create beautiful and sustainable textiles using natural dyes. Happy creating!

In Summary:

When handling hot textiles, always use tongs and mitts.

  • Do not use a pot from your kitchen used for cooking; use an old, thrifted pot or a purpose-bought one.

  • Only do this process in a well-ventilated area.

  • These instructions are only for flower use, not for gum leaves.

  • Be cautious of plant matter and avoid using toxic flowers.

  • Let the textile cool down completely before unraveling.

Video Link

  • Scoaring fabric: To prepare fibers for dyeing, a thorough scouring process is essential to ensure optimal dye absorption. The method varies for different types of fibers. Cellulose fibers, like plants, can be scoured using a solution of soda ash or as I do, just boiled in water. Silk fibers, typically well-scoured when soft and white, may benefit from scouring if they feel stiff or wiry. The amounts of detergent, soda ash, and white vinegar for neutralizing vary based on the fiber type and weight. Careful rinsing and drying are crucial before proceeding to the mordanting step. Adjustments to scouring materials should be made based on the weight and cleanliness of the fibers. There is a bounty of information on the internet about soucring, please let me know if you would like further insights.