How to Dye Shirts With Beets

Beets stain and dye fabric easily due to their dark color.

Natural dyes offer a safe, effective and environmentally-friendly way to dye fabric. Commercially-made dyes contain harsh chemicals that are toxic when inhaled. Dyeing a shirt with beets results in a beautiful rich red tone. When dyeing shirts start with a white or light-colored fabric for best results. Shirts made from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, absorb dye better than synthetic fibers like polyester. Test the color first on a scrap or swatch of fabric before placing the shirt in the dye bath.

Things You'll Need

• 12 large beets
• Kitchen knife
• 2 quarts warm water
• Vinegar
• Rubber gloves
• Bucket
• Cooking pot
• Liquid laundry detergent

Instructions

Prepare the Dye Bath

1. Remove the stems from the beets and chop them into small pieces using a kitchen knife. Place the beets in a pot.

2. Add twice as much water than beets to the pot. Bring the water to a boil on the stove top.

3. Reduce the heat and let the beets simmer for an hour. Seeping the beets in the hot water draws the color out of them and into the water. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the dye bath in a bucket.

Prepare the Shirt

1. Wash the shirt in liquid laundry detergent and water first to remove any stains, oils or dirt on the fabric. Stains and spots on the shirt will not absorb the dye well, which will result in uneven color.

2. Soak the shirt in a color fixative, such as vinegar, before dyeing it. Mix four parts water with one part vinegar. The fixative helps the fabric absorb the dye better and more evenly.

3. Add the fabric to the color fixative and let it soak for one hour. Remove the fabric and ring out the excess liquid gently.

Dye the Shirt

1. Add the wet shirt to the dye bath. Allow the fabric to soak until it has reached the desired color, usually about one to two hours.

2. Remove the shirt and place it back in the color fixative. Allow it to soak in the color fixative for at least a half hour. This will remove any excess dye from the surface of the fabric and also prevent the color from running when it is washed.

3. Remove the shirt from the color fixative and ring out the excess water. Hang the shirt up to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands.

References

• The Mother's Almanac; Marguerite Kelly; Elia Parsons
• Big Book of Everything, Preschool; Kathy M. Douglas