How to Make Dye From Root Bark
If you like soft, earthy tones, root bark dyes are the natural coloring choice. Root bark from the Jurema tree, also called mimosa hostilis, produces colors ranging from deep pink through red to red-brown. Roots from the red cedar tree and the madder shrub -- a vine-like plant that produces berries like peppercorns -- have been used as red dyes since ancient Egyptian times.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Spade
- Knife
- Large metal pot
- Plastic bucket or bowl
- Stirrer
- Vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Soap
- Fabric for dyeing
Instructions
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1
Dig up the roots during spring or autumn. This is when they are full of sap and their color is at its best. Leave between one-third and half of the plant roots in place. Allow the soil around the dug roots to dry for three days.
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2
Shake off remaining soil around the roots and carve away the bark. Chop the bark into 1-inch pieces and place them into the pot. Pour double the volume of water to root material into the pot and boil. Allow to simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally. Remove the bark from the dye solution.
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3
Prepare the fabric to be dyed with a vinegar fixative. Add vinegar to water in the ratio 1 to 4 vinegar to water in a plastic bucket or bowl. Place the fabric into the mixture and leave it for one hour to absorb the fixative. Remove the fabric from the bucket and wring thoroughly.
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4
Place the wet fabric into the dye solution and simmer for an hour. The longer the fabric is in the solution, the deeper the final color will be. Remove the fabric from the dye, wring and allow to dry.
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5
Rinse the dyed fabric in clean water until the water runs clear. Wash in soap and cold water and allow to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that the color of the fabric will be lighter when it dries.
The lighter the original fabric color, the closer the final color will be to the dye.
Wash naturally dyed fabric separately, as they are not as colorfast as synthetic dyes.
Wear gloves during the process.
Remember some plants and roots are toxic. Use an old pot for the dye preparation and do not use it for any food preparation afterwards, even when washed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
