DIY: Food-based dyes

For Fabric Dye

Dyeing fabric with food ingredients is easy and fun. The best part? Chances are you have everything you need in your kitchen right now! That and the fact that the water and energy used in the process is minimal, and the water runoff can be returned to the water table without any ill effects. NOTE: It’s best to use an old pot for dyeing and wear gloves when handling the fabric that has been dyed. It will stain your hands. It’s also important to note, some plant dyes may be toxic.

To make your own dye, you will need:

1/2 cup salt + 8 cups water
Large stock pot
Undyed organic fabric. I really like the undyed organic hemp at Hemporium. Their prices are good, and the customer service there is great.
Enough of your food to cover the fabric in your pot, if you’re using fruits or veggies. If you’re using herbs, start with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of water

Step 1

1. Put your fabric in the stock pot with the salt and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for an hour. Drain your fabric, then let it cool and wring out any extra liquid. This saltwater step is important. The salt is a ‘fixative’ that helps your fabric take and hold the dye.

Note:
When working with berries, use a salt fixative – put 1/2 cup of salt in 8 cups of water, put the fabric in and boil for one hour.

When working with vegetables, use a vinegar fixative – mix one part vinegar and four parts water, add your fabric and boil for one hour.

Source: Wednes-DIY: Making Natural Dyes | Free People Blog

Step 2

2a. If you’re using fruits/veggies: Chop up the fruit or veggies into small pieces. Place your fabric into a pot, cover with the fruit or veggies, and boil for one hour. When the hour is up, let the fabric soak in the dye, checking every 5-10 minutes until the fabric gets a little darker than you want. Rinse the fabric until the water runs clear, then hang it to dry.

2b. If you’re using herbs: Combine the water and herbs in a pot, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, and submerge your fabric. Depending on what herbs you’re using, it could take 15 minutes to get the color you want, or it could need to soak for a few hours. Just keep checking until you get the results you want, then rinse and hang your fabric dry.

Source1/Source2 and additional info about setting the color with mordants. See The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes

Also check out Homemade playdough and natural dye project for kids! And application/learning activity squishy circuits learning about electricity through play!

For Eggs

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