As part of my next assignment (a capsule collection of textile pieces) I wanted to include some naturally dyed fabric. I’m aiming to incorporate some of the flowers and plants I’m using for my research drawings as part of the finished pieces. I’m still at the planning stage but that’s what I’m aiming for.

I had a go at naturally dyeing some fabric last summer with mixed results. I had chosen to use salt and/white vinegar to fix my dyes, which involved a lot of time in pans simmering away. With the increase in energy prices I really didn’t fancy keeping things simmering on my hob for most of the day! So I had a look into solar dyeing. I found a lot of tutorials online and lots of different ways to approach it all. To be honest it is very easy to get overwhelmed with information these days so I ended up following one of the simpler instructions I found.

lacreativemama.com had a very beginner friendly tutorial, no messing around with mordant options (what “fixes” your dyes) and weighing fabric complications! She assures us that using alum sulphate is one of the more environmentally friendly options when it comes to fixing your dyes. She has also got links for what types of mordants to use for which fabric and even a way to work out what fibres your fabric is made up of.

It’s pretty easy and quick, so it’s perfect if you’re trying to fit it in with busy family life/days. Basically take a jar, add some boiling water, dissolve half a teaspoon of alum, add your natural scraps, and then add your fabric. Do up your jar and leave in the sun. Or, if you leave in the UK, leave outside and hope you get a bit of sun. When it inevitably rains pop them on your windowsill for a few weeks!

I left mine for about 5 weeks.

I chose four dyes to use, tea, turmeric, avocado skins, and onion skins. I didn’t really expect any to work particularly well but I think they turned out quite nice. The colours didn’t fade much at all after drying so I was quite impressed.

All in all, I had some good results for a small amount of work. It took less than an hour to set up the jars and then to empty and rinse the fabric. A fun project and a great way to add a bit a variety to some sewing projects.

Lainey x