DIY Beet Dye for Fabric
If you're on the hunt for natural fabric dye recipes, give beets a try.
Beet dye is your best friend if you're looking for natural fabric dye recipes! This DIY Beet Dye for Fabric video tutorial is wonderful if you're looking for an organic alternative to dyes with harsh chemicals. Learn how to make your own fabric dye and take so much pride in the items you create. When you make your own dye, you create a garment or other fabric craft completely unique to you. Beet dye makes a unique and natural color, and similar to other dyes, you decide the intensity of the color! Learn a foolproof recipe for natural dyes with this short video.
Materials List
- 4-5 Beets (depending on how much fabric you're dyeing---you may need more!)
- Alum Dyeing Mordant
- Cream of Tartar
- Stainless Steel Pots
- Natural Fiber Fabric like Wool, Raw Silk, Unbleached Cotton, or Muslin
- Gloves
Instructions
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To prep the fabric, soak it in water for at least an hour.
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Add chopped beets to a pot and cover them with twice as much water. Bring the water to a boil and let simmer for one hour.
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Turn the heat off and let the water come to room temperature.
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Strain the cooled dye into another bowl.
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Add alum and cream of tartar to the dye bath. This makes the color stay!
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Add your fabric to the dye bath and bring it to a boil. Let boil for 30 minutes.
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Let the water cool. Once the water's cool, you can take the fabric out or leave it in to soak longer, even overnight. The longer it soaks, the deeper the color.
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Rinse with cold water and hang to dry.
