Natural Dyeing

After learning about the natural dyes, I prepared my own dye bath. I have done explorations on different types of cellulosic and protein yarns, fabric swatches, papers, and finished products Natural dyes are known for having wide applications in the coloration of most of the natural fibres, e.g., cotton, linen, wool, and silk, and are biodegradable, nontoxic, and non-allergenic. Unlike synthetic fibres, natural fibres are great absorbers

For dyeing I used TWO out of the three main sources of natural dyes Plant Dye: Leaves, flowers, bark, roots, seeds, pods, and fruits; Mineral Dye: Mud, ochre, limestone, and rust Due to sourcing and technical difficulties, animal dyes were omitted

Naturaldyesandmodifiersproduceanextraordinaryvarietyofshadesandcomplex colorsthatcomplementseachother.

Fabrics were pre-treated by scouring, mordanting with iron water (other options: Symplocos or soy), rolled using a wooden rolling pin and tied it with a jute string It is then steamed for 2 hours Two out of 3 were dyed Water colour paper was dyed with Marigold and Silk scarf was dyed with Sapaanwood Cotton was left un-dyed to see different effects on different materials Left overnight to allow the plant pigments bond before rinsing the fabrics with water and 1tsp of vinegar

Materials used:

100% Silk, 100% Cotton and 140 lb/300gsm watercolor paper or printmaking paper

Assortment of leaves, flowers, barks, and seed pods

Iron-water (optional)

Water or dye bath (to add extra colour)