Have you been wanting to try your hand at naturally dyeing fabric? Maybe you have been mesmerized by the beautiful, earthy tones in naturally dyed fabrics and their rich texture? Maybe you’re looking for a more sustainable way to create handmade goods. I was obsessed the first time I saw naturally dyed fabric, and I needed to know the process. So, I learned. Little-by-little. And you can too.
Many fiber enthusiasts get to this step but stop. Confused, overwhelmed, and not sure where to start; it is easy to just move on to a different craft. Does this sound like you? Let’s be honest about what’s really holding you back, and more importantly, how to overcome these hurdles so you can start creating your own naturally dyed pieces.
1. There Are Too Many Ways
The Problem: One tutorial tells you to soak for 24 hours, another says 2 hours is plenty. Some swear by alum alone, some say aluminum acetate to mordant. And yet, others say you should mordant with soymilk. The conflicting information is paralyzing.
The Reality: Natural dyeing is both an art and a science, and there are many paths to beautiful results. Different methods work better for different materials, locations, and desired outcomes.
The Solution: Choose one trusted source or method to start with and stick to it until you understand the basics. Don’t try to absorb every technique at once. If you need an outline of the simple steps to natural dyeing, grab our free guide HERE. I stuck with one approach for over a year, knowing there were others, but not ready to move on. Once you’ve successfully completed a few projects using one approach, you’ll have the confidence to start experimenting with other techniques.
2. The Mordant Process is Overwhelming
The Problem: Every natural dye tutorial starts with mordanting, using substances with scary names like aluminum sulfate and alum. The process seems complicated, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous.
The Reality: Mordanting is just preparing your fiber to accept and create a lasting bond with the dye. While it’s an important step for lightfast, long-lasting colors, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Mordants are safe when used properly – wear a mask when measuring out powder and use gloves when immersing your hands in the mordant bath to prevent any dry skin or irritation.
The Solution: Start simple with aluminum acetate (available in our dye kits or through dye supply stores) and just one method. For your very first experiment, you can even skip mordanting entirely—your colors won’t be as permanent, but you’ll get a feel for the joy of natural dyeing without the intimidation factor. Once you give it a try, you can start again with mordants.
3. You Don’t Know What Materials to Buy
The Problem: You’ve read the guides, watched the videos, and you are ready to begin. But, the shopping list feels endless and expensive, and who needs 500 grams of mordant, anyway? So, you never even start.
The Reality: You probably already have more natural dye materials in your kitchen and yard than you realize. Onion skins create beautiful yellows and oranges. Avocado pits and skins yield soft pinks. Black beans create blues and grays.
An easy way to start and make sure you have mordant, natural dyes, and color shifters, is with a kit. We offer a Natural Dye Kit 01 and Natural Dye Kit 02, complete with guides to get you started. For fabric and a pot, find what you can at a local thrift store. Just like with any craft, it’s good to start small and build as you grow your skills.
The Solution: An easy way to start and make sure you have mordant, natural dyes, and color shifters, is with a kit. We offer a Natural Dye Kit 01 and Natural Dye Kit 02, complete with guides to get you started. For fabric and a pot, find what you can at a local thrift store. Just like with any craft, it’s good to start small and build as you grow your skills.
4. You’re Not Sure It Will Work
The Problem: What if you spend time and money on supplies only to end up with blotchy, disappointing colors? What if the color washes out immediately?
The Reality: Natural dyeing does have variables, and yes, sometimes results are unexpected, even after many years. But this is expected with any craft or hobby. My seam ripper is my most valuable quilting tool.
The Solution: Embrace the wonder of natural dye. It will not all be perfect, but it will be wonderful. I find ways to use all my pieces, even if they were not entirely what I had planned for. I suggest you start with small test pieces—cotton dish towels, fat quarters, old sheets. Create your own dye journal to document your process so you can replicate successes and understand what happened with the less successful attempts. I cannot tell you how many times I have gone back to my dye journals for help.
Your Next Step
Ready to get started in the simplest of ways?
Pick one dye material you already have at home (onion skins, avocado pits and skins, marigolds), gather a small piece of natural fabric, and try one simple tutorial from start to finish. Don’t worry about having everything perfect—just try it to see your fabric absorb color.
When you are ready to keep moving, we are here to guide you with our blogs and kits.
