Fabric Dyeing with Natural Dyes and Flowers

I’ve always had a fascination with the magic of fabric dying. When I was a teenager, I transformed stained t-shirts or re-invigorated the faded color of a favorite blouse using at-home commercial dyes. I dissolved the powder in hot water, dipped the articles, and waited. It was a wonderful surprise every time. The results varied depending on how much dye was used and how long the fabric shimmied in the dyebath.  I also created my own “custom” colors by blending and mixing various powders. It was joy ­­––– the magic of color, infusing fabric, and the power of imagination.

My love of dyeing has been re-awakened, and I am inspired by the interesting methods using natural materials such as avocado pits, onion skins, acorns, flowers, and other plant materials. I never imagined color could be extracted from these simple and readily available items. I’m particularly excited about dying my own silk ribbon to be used to finish bridal bouquets or add a special detail to a dry floral wreath.

When possible, I save and dry flowers leftover from my previous events.  I’m still experimenting and discovering which flowers work best as some release beautiful deep colors while others offer only hints of their prior selves. I also apply dry petals directly on the fabric as they leave beautiful imprints that add depth to the design.  

If you have interest in starting your own natural dye journey, here are many resources available to get you started:

Maiwa – www.maiwa.com – A beautiful website with a plethora of information on natural dyes, supplies, fabrics and techniques.

Dharma Trading Company – www.dharmatrading.com – Excellent source for natural dyes, supplies, dye your own clothing and general information.

Botanical Colors – www.botanicalcolors.com – A wide assortment of natural dyes, how to videos and a focus on creating community.

The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristin Vejar – This comprehensive book offers the beginner and expert dyer a step-by-step process, user friendly techniques and easy to do craft projects.

Here is my project for ribbon dyeing:

Step 1.

I started with about 2 yards of 100% undyed silk ribbon and used previously dried petals from marigolds, delphinium, sweet pea and roses.

Step 2.

I laid the silk ribbon flat and haphazardly scattered the petals.

Step 3.

Using cotton twine, I rolled the ribbons tightly to keep the flower petals from falling out. I then put the bundles in a steamer basket in a pot with water and let them steam for about 45 minutes until the bundles were saturated with moisture. The bundles were cooled for an additional 45 minutes and then carefully unwrapped.

Step 4.

The ribbon was gently rinsed under cool water and put to air dry - it was a nice sunny and warm afternoon so I dried the ribbons outdoors. Using a hot setting, I ironed the ribbons to remove the creases and voila! The ribbon with its beautiful golden hues is the perfect accent for my new dry floral wreath!