Key Wordz

Natural Fibers

not all fabrics are created equally!

some come from plants, some from animals, and some from factories.

humans may well practice fluidly in attraction to both nature & industry, but for natural dyes, we’ve gotta stick to natural sources


Cellulose Fiber

fabric made from plant sources

[cotton, linen, rayon, bamboo]

Protein Fiber

fabric made from animal fibers

[wool, silk, alpaca, cashmere]

Mordant

refers to a pre-treating or co-ingredient that helps the dye bond with the fabric for a deeper color or longer lasting result. Some dyes need it more than others, and each reacts differently [science!]

no matter what you do, natural dyes will tint the fabric but will fade over time through washing or light exposure. this is normal.

Soymilk Mordant

[*no, i didn’t invent this method. peep my source here]

 

  1. wash fabric in warm-hot water with 1Tbsp soda ash [see below]. while fabric is washing…

  2. make a ratio of 1:5 soymilk to water in stock pot or big bucket

    ie: .5L soymilk to 2.5L water. oz measurements are also allowed ;)

  3. add wet, pre-scoured fabric to pot, no heat. stir so all fabric gets soaked. leave to soak for at least 24hrs

  4. wring out best you can or toss in spin cycle. hang dry & leave to “cure” for about a week

Homemade Soda Ash

[i didn’t invent this either. highly recommend you check out Ashlee Piper’s “Give a Sh*t” wonderbook of eco-living tips to expand your mind & clean up your habits]

 

Gather yourself:

  • 2 c baking soda

  • glass casserole dish

  • oven

  • mask :)

  1. set oven to 400F and spread out the baking soda in the casserole dish in a ½-inch layer

  2. bake for 1-1½ hrs, stirring occasionally. the soda will get grainier & dustier [mask is v. helpful here, trust me]

  3. after it’s cooled i store it in an empty mason or big pasta sauce jar for alllll the uses