What is ecodyeing?
Ecodyeing uses the natural pigments, tannins and acids in leaves and flowers to dye natural materials.
What fabrics to use
When you are starting out it is best to use animal based protein fabrics like silk and wool rather than plant based cellulose fabrics like hemp, cotton and linen, as protein fabrics tend to dye stronger.
Whichever fabric you choose should be medium weight and un-dyed or bleached. Both a tight flat weave or a knit works well.
BASIC STEPS to prepare for DYEING
Cover your clothes and hands (gloves and an apron).
Wash your fabric to get rid of any additional chemicals that might be present before you start. This initial washing process is called scouring.
Make sure you use equipment that is not used for food preparation.
Make sure you can work in a well ventilated space.
You’re ready to begin!
PROJECT 1:OxaliS dye bath
If you’ve enjoyed experimenting with this oxalis dye bath and are feeling inspired you might also like to have a go with:
Carrot tops
Avocado pits
Beetroot
Onion skins
PROJECT 2:printing witH TanniNs
If you’ve enjoyed experimenting with these flowers and leaves you might now like to explore printing with other tannin rich materials such as:
Grevillea Robusta
Casuarinas
Oaks
Maples
Birches
Roses