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What is natural dye?

Natural dyeing is the process of using plants, spices, elements (rocks and minerals), fruit and vegetables to dye natural fibres. Different mordants can be used to create different hues and to fix the colours.

Tools and equipment

• Dye bath - jug, bowl or dish for dyes. These are metal or glass as dyes can stain some plastic containers.
• Saucepans - to remove the dye you need to boil the fruit, vegetable, plant in water.
• Kettle - to boil water.
• Heat source (stove/hob).
• Mixing spoon - to mix dyes. Metal is better as dyes can stain wood or plastic.
• Measuring jug - to measure out water and dye.
• Measuring scales - to measure out dye, mordant, material to be dyed.
• Tongs - to handle material to be dyed.
• Drying rack
• Protective clothing.

Step-by-step guide

1. Boil the fruit, vegetables or plants etc in water to remove the dye. Strain and discard the boiled fruit, vegetables or plants. Pour the dye in a dye bath and mix with the mordant.
2. Wash fibres, yarns, fabrics or material to be dyed, to ensure it is clean and to remove any impurities which could affect the dyeing process.
3. Dip the material into the dye bath. Stir to ensure that all the material is evenly covered.
4. Leave to soak for the desired time.
5. Remove the material from the dye bath.
6. Leave to dry.

You can use natural dyes with the tie-dye and batik techniques detailed above to create different effects.