My first ever natural tie dye experience was with Grass Roots Muddy Boots and I honestly think I was more excited than the children! I was fascinated and intrigued by the fact children were able to create such lovely bandanas using dye made from purely natural ingredients. Since my first experience with this, I have been itching to have another go and if you too are intrigued by this, today I will be sharing how you can make your own natural dyes!
So, first things first, we need to know which fruit, veg and spices are ideal to use for these activities and after a little research, I was quite impressed with the options out there. Here is what I found:
Orange and Brown Dye: Carrots, onion skin, old tea bags
Yellow: Turmeric Powder
Pink, Red & Purple: Berries, Beetroot, Elderberries, Sloes Green: Grass, Nettles and Spinach
Once you have decided on your colour/colours, here are the items you will need to get started:
Gloves
A Large Bucket
Natural Fibres or Fabric such as cotton, silk, linen and wool- cut these into strips to make bandanas.
Salt and Vinegar
Around 5 Litres of Water
Sieve
Old Pans- 2 should do it
Wooden Spoons
Tongs
String
Now let’s go through the method, the activity I took part in already had the dye prepared, so looking at the method was also a learning experience for me! However, for Forest School sessions it was very handy having the dye ready to go!
1. Prepare your fabric by soaking this in water. If you are using berry-based ingredient’s you will need to add salt, add 1 cup for every 4 cups of water. If you are using non-berry dyes, using 1 cup of vinegar to 4 cups of water.
2. Leave the fabric to soak for around 2 hours, then when removed rinse thoroughly with water. You may want to add some knots in to the fabric to allow for patterns to be made- however this can be done later so children can have the choice.
3. If you are using a range of natural materials to make different colours, make sure these are separated as you will need to make one colour at a time. Pop your ingredients into a pan, squashing if needed and then cover with cold water.
4. Simmer your pan for 1 hour and stir often. Then remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool.
5. Strain out the bits and use tongs to pick out any debris. You may want to fill up containers with the dye if you are making this in advance!
Now this is where the fun part happens! It is time to dye your material:
1) Twist your material tight and then tie with string around the middle. Or put knots in your material- both of these methods will allow you to make patterns. Leave a little string loose so you can use this to dangle your material into the dye
2) Using gloves or by dangling your material (this will make sure you don’t dye your hands) plunge your material into the pan/bucket and give it a good soak for around 10 minutes. Ensure the material is fully emerged.
3) Remove the material, squeeze out any liquid and then put the material in a place to dry.
4) ENJOY your new creation!
And there you have it! The natural way to tie die, a fun activity for all! Are you dyeing to have a go?
