Common Natural Dye Sources
| Dye Source |
Colour Range |
Prep |
| Red Onion Skins |
Purple, pink |
Simmer in water |
| Avocado Pits & Skins |
Blush, dusty pink |
Clean and boil |
| Turmeric |
Bright yellow |
Use caution, stains easily |
| Black Beans |
Grey to blue |
Soak, don’t boil |
| Red Cabbage |
Purple to green (pH sensitive) |
Simmer gently |
| Marigold Flowers |
Gold, soft orange |
Steep blossoms |
| Walnut Husks |
Deep brown |
Crush and boil |
Natural Mordants
| Mordant |
Source |
Use |
Notes |
| Alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate) |
Mineral |
Enhances colour & bonding |
Most common safe mordant |
| Tannin |
Tea, oak galls |
Pre-treat for plant dyes |
Needed for cellulose fibers |
| Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) |
Rusty nails, store-bought |
Darkens tones |
Use in small amounts |
| Soy Milk |
Kitchen |
Binder for cellulose fabrics |
Great for cotton & paper |
| Vinegar |
Kitchen |
pH modifier |
Not a true mordant, but helps |
Suitable Fabrics & Preparation
| Fabric Type |
Natural Dye Friendly? |
Prep Needed |
| Cotton (natural) |
Yes |
Scour + mordant |
| Linen |
Yes |
Scour + alum or soy milk |
| Silk |
Yes |
Light mordant (alum) |
| Wool |
Yes |
Soak in mordant bath |
| Synthetics (polyester) |
No |
Won’t absorb natural dye |
Scouring Tip: Wash with hot water + soda ash or neutral soap to remove sizing and oils.
Dye Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
Best For |
| Immersion Dyeing |
Fabric soaked in dye bath |
Even tone |
| Bundle Dyeing |
Rolled with petals/leaves |
Patterns and textures |
| Eco Printing |
Pressed plant contact + steam |
Leaf impressions |
| Layered Dips |
Multiple colour soaks |
Gradient shades |
| Ice Dyeing |
Melting ice + powders |
Use natural powder dyes or extracts |
Storage & Safety Tips
| Tip |
Why |
| Store plant matter in freezer |
Preserves until ready to use |
| Label all mordants clearly |
Prevent accidents |
| Avoid aluminum pots for iron mordants |
May react undesirably |
| Compost used plant materials |
Closes the sustainability loop |
| Wear gloves when handling mordants |
Especially iron or alum |
Natural Dye Project Ideas
| Project |
Fabric |
Time |
| Botanical Bandanas |
Cotton or silk |
1–2 hrs + dry |
| Dyed Market Totes |
Linen |
2–3 hrs |
| Eco Print Cards |
Cotton rag paper |
1 hr |
| Dyed Yarn |
Wool or alpaca |
2–5 hrs |
| Wall Hangings |
Linen/cotton canvas |
3–6 hrs |
Let nature colour your creativity, one petal at a time.