Natural Dyeing: A 2-Part Series by A Verb for Keeping Warm

All levels | 33 min 22 sec

How to Dye Silk and Other Protein Fibers
Overview00:40
Materials01:21
Weighing and scouring goods04:20
Mordanting goods03:03
Selecting a dye color02:25
Dyeing a scarf03:23
Rinsing dye03:18

How to Dye Cotton and Other Cellulose Fibers
Overview00:39
Materials01:24
Scouring goods02:19
Mordanting goods01:57
Wheat-bran bath02:06
Shade cards02:42
Dye pot02:11
Rinse01:42

Taught by A Verb for Keeping Warm

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Learn the basics of natural dyeing in this two-part course, enabling you to create fabrics and garments in your very own original hues. Kristine uses all natural dyes in her process, and she discusses how to create a variety of shades by using different dyes, fabrics and dye bath times. In the first part of this class, you will learn how to work with silk, a protein fiber, dyeing it a lovely purple shade with Logwood. In the second part, you will learn how to work with cellulose fibers, dyeing a pair of cotton socks red using Madder extract.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Many of the supplies needed can be found online from A Verb For Keeping Warm

Part 1 Materials:

Silk scarf
Scale
Aluminum potassium sulfate "mordant" – 1 Tbsp per 100 grams of fabric
Natural dye, Kristine uses Logwood to create a purple shade
Spoon or small whisk
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Tongs
3-5 quarts (2.8 - 4.7 Liters) stainless steel pot with lid
Timer
Thermometer
Rubber gloves
Liquid dishwashing detergent, Kristine uses Ecover
Bucket
Journal for recording dye process
Apron
Access to hot water and a stovetop (kitchen works well)

Part 2 Materials:

100% Cotton socks for dyeing
Sieve
Wheat Bran, about 1 cup
Soda Ash or “washing soda” for scour – 1 ¼ tsp per 100 grams material (found at the hardware store)
Natural dye, about ½ teaspoon -– Kristine uses Madder natural dye extract
Scale
Aluminum acetate "mordant" – 2 teaspoons per 100 grams material
Spoon or small whisk
3-5 quarts (2.8 - 4.7 Liter) stainless steel pot with lid
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Tongs
Timer
Thermometer
Rubber gloves
Silk and wool yardage
Bucket
Journal for recording dye process
Apron
Access to hot water and a stovetop (kitchen works well)

Natural Dyeing: How to Dye Silk and Other Protein Fibers

Silk scarf
Scale
Aluminum potassium sulfate "mordant" – 1 Tablespoon mordant per 100 grams fabric
Natural dye, Kristine uses Logwood to create a purple shade
Spoon or small whisk
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Tongs
3-5 quarts (2.8 - 4.7 Liters) stainless steel pot with lid
Timer
Thermometer
Rubber gloves
Liquid dishwashing detergent, Kristine uses Ecover
Bucket
Journal for recording dye process
Apron
Access to hot water and a stovetop (kitchen works well)

Natural Dyeing: How to Dye Cotton and Other Cellulose Fibers

100% Cotton socks for dyeing
Sieve
Wheat Bran – about 1 cup
Soda Ash or “washing soda” for scour – 1 ¼ tsp per 100 grams material (found at the hardware store)
Natural dye, about ½ teaspoon -– Kristine uses Madder natural dye extract
Scale
Aluminum acetate "mordant" – 2 teaspoons per 100 grams material
Spoon or small whisk
3-5 quarts (2.8 - 4.7 Liter) stainless steel pot with lid
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Tongs
Timer
Thermometer
Rubber gloves
Silk and wool yardage
Bucket
Journal for recording dye process
Apron
Access to hot water and a stovetop (kitchen works well)