Did you know you can use natural herbs to dye your clothes, yarn, and other crafts? Not only is this a fun and creative way to add some unique colors to your wardrobe, but using herbs for dyeing is also a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking for a new hobby, herb dyeing is a great way to express creativity while reducing environmental impact.
Here are some herbs and plants that you can use to dye things in different colors:
Yellow:
- Marigolds
- Dandelion
- Yarrow
- Sunflowers
- Yellow Onion skin
Orange:
- Turmeric
- Carrots
- Orange Lichen
- Alder Tree Bark
- Paprika
Red:
- Pomegranate
- Sumac Berries
- Madder root
- Potentilla root
- Pokeweed Berries
Blue:
- Dyer’s Woad
- Indigo
- Logwood
- Blueberries
- Hyacinth
Purple:
- Grapes
- Coneflowers
- Hibiscus
- Purple Cabbage
- Blackberries
How to dye easter eggs and more using herbs:
- Boil water (4 cups per jar)
- While the water is boiling, grind all the herbs you intend to use into a fine powder. You will need about 1 cup of herbs for every 4 cups of water. (1:4 ratio)
- Put the herbal powders into individual jars and pour the boiling water.
- Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to each jar.
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Stir and whisk thoroughly until all the powder has dissolved, and let the dye mixtures sit overnight.
Prepare what you are going to dye before going any further. Hard-boiled eggs, tie-dye clothing, whatever you want!
These plant dyes can stain clothing, countertops, and wooden utensils. Make sure you're wearing clothes that can get stained. Use newspaper or other protective coverings for counters or tabletops.
Tip: If you are making tie-dye clothing with herbal dyes, we recommend tying and preparing your tie-dye pieces and transferring the prepared dye liquids into squirt bottles. This will make it easier to control the application of the dye and ensure your designs come out how you want them to.
Use rubber bands on your easter eggs and tie up your clothing to make unique designs! - Now that you have all the materials you want to dye, simply apply the dye and let your items soak for 24-48 hours.
- We recommend leaving the eggs in the dye jars overnight if you are doing easter eggs.
- If you are doing tie-dye clothing, we recommend leaving the clothing in a plastic shopping or Ziploc bag overnight.
- It is important to wring out excess dye after your items soak. Doing this outside or in a bathtub or sink that can be easily cleaned is best. Be cautious and be sure to wear clothing you don’t want to be ruined. Be sure the water is running clear without dye before washing your items in a conventional washer/dryer.
Enjoy, and send us pics of your creations!
