Natural Dye Chart
Leftover fruit and vegetable materials, such as peels and skins, are ideal for creating natural fabric dyes in a variety of colors. The intensity and shade may vary from plant to plant, but you can generally expect the following colors. Use this list of natural dye ingredients, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other items to create your own colors.
Blue natural dyes: blueberries and blackberriesRed natural dyes: raspberries and beetsYellow and ochre dyes: lemon and orange peels, turmericGreen natural dye:spinach leavesOrange natural dye: onion skinsPurple natural dye: red cabbage leaves
How to Make Natural Dyes
Once you’ve chosen the colors you’d like to create, it’s time to make your natural dye. To do so, you’ll need the following:
One cup chopped fruit or vegetable materialSaucepanTwo cups waterTwo to three tablespoons of vinegar or saltStrainerGlass container or jar
You’ll need about one cup of your chosen chopped fruit or vegetable to produce color. Feel free to use extra for a more vivid dye.
How to Use Natural Dyes
Protect your work surface with an old cloth or plastic sheet, and wear gloves to avoid staining your skin. First, use water to dampen the fabric. This will help the dye soak into your material. Next, dip your item into the dye and wait. The longer you give it, the deeper and richer the color will be and the more the dye will spread. If you want an ombré effect, or only want to dye one section of the fabric, fold it and leave a blank section draped out of the dye bowl. Use rubber bands, clothespins, or masking tape to form a resist-dye design. When you’re satisfied with the color and design, remove your material from the natural dye. Let it dry completely, then iron on high heat to set the colors permanently. Editor’s Tip: Repeat washings may cause colors to fade, but you can re-dye your item if needed.
