This is my first tutorial video; it covers a basic approach to naturally dyeing using an easy eco-printing technique.
If you are new to natural dyeing, using flowers and leaves from your garden is a great way to start. Just know that nothing will turn out how you expect (usually it turns out better) and it is a very experimental and often serendipitous process.
For this project you will need:
- a piece of silk (or wool) clothing or fabric
- flowers such as roses and irises (if you use other flowers, do some research to make sure they dye well and are non-toxic)
- elastics
- a thick stick or dowel -optional
- a stainless steel pot (with a steamer -optional)
- water
Often with natural dyeing a mordant is used which helps the fabric take more dye and makes the colour last longer. For this project I wanted to keep it very simple and easy so I did not use a mordant and the colour will almost certainly fade over time- something I don’t actually mind because I will continue to over-dye and add to it. However you are welcome to use a mordant like alum on your silk if you are familiar with the process and you will get brighter, longer lasting results.
In the video I show submerging the bundle in hot water, from my experience this tends to create softer prints while steaming creates clearer shapes, I recommend experimenting with both!
The top I used in the video is a 100% silk blouse by Amour Vert.
Please ask if you have any questions, and I would love to hear about your flower dyeing projects!
Also I just started making videos on my YouTube channel, I hope to make more and continue to learn and improve the quality.
