How to make dye

Learn how to make dye from natural materials. Long before artificial dyes were invested, people used natural dyes from plants and the soil to color their clothes, pottery, and other objects in their homes. You can try making some dyes for yourself.

Try out the dyes on pieces of white cloth, such as an old handkerchief or squares cut from an old sheet. Make sure the cloth is clean and dry. Do not use cloth that has been treated with fabric softeners. These chemicals may stop the dye from working.

How do you make dye using natural materials?

Boil the leaves or fruit with a little water in a pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes and allow to cool. An alternative method is to put the plant material in a bowl and cover it with boiling water. Leave the bowl for about 15 minutes. Then make a filter. Cut the top half off a plastic bottle, turn it upside down and put a coffee filter inside. Pour the liquid from the saucepan or bowl through the filter to produce a colored liquid that you can use for dyeing.

Natural dye colors

• Red - Dye color red can be derived from beetroot, cherries, and red cabbage.
• Yellow - Dye color yellow can be derived from onion skins.
• Green - Dye color green can be derived from spinach.
• Brown - Dye color brown can be derived from iodine, tea, and coffee.
• Blue - Dye color blue can be obtained by dissolving a spoonful of flour in half a cup of warm water and add one or two drops of iodine.

Tie Dye colors