How to Dye Fabrics Brown
Fabric dyeing is a great way to revive old clothes or furniture coverings. There are different ways that you can go about dyeing your fabric. You can now buy dye that you simply put in the washing machine. If you want to try a homemade and more natural method there are simple ways to achieve the necessary shade. Using items in your cupboards or from your garden is a thrifty way to find your dye ingredients.
Instructions
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Making a color fixative
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1
Make a color fixative for your fabric. You need to do this before attempting to dye your fabric otherwise the dye will not "take." If you are using a plant-based dye, mix together 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar in an old pot. If you are using a berry-based dye, mix together half a cup of salt to 8 cups of cold water.
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2
Add the fabric to the mixture and then place on the hob. Bring this to a boil and then simmer for one hour.
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3
Take the fabric out of the liquid and rinse well with cold water until the water runs clear. Squeeze out all the excess water. You fabric is now "fixed" and ready for dyeing.
Making the dye
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4
Collect the plants or berries that you are going to use in the dyeing process. For brown: Oak bark will give a tan or oak color; dandelion roots will give you a medium brown; broom bark will give you a yellowish-brown; Walnut hulls will give a deep brown. If you don't fancy collecting berries or plants, try tea bags or coffee grounds. Tea will render a light brown; coffee grounds should give you a darker brown color.
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5
Chop up the plants or berries and place them in an old cooking pot. Bring them to a boil and let them simmer for one hour.
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6
Strain the dye making sure you remove all the plant and berry pieces, just leaving the liquid. Your dye is now ready for use.
Dying the fabric
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Place the wet fabric into the dye mixture.
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8
Put the pot on the burner and simmer for an hour.
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9
After an hour check the fabric. If the shade is not dark enough, simmer again for another hour. If it is still not the correct shade, soak it overnight.
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10
Take the fabric out of the dye after an hour and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
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Tips & Warnings
Use an old pot to dye your fabric, as the dye may stain.
Always wash your dyed fabric in cold water to prevent loss of color.
Always wash dyed fabric seperately.
The lighter the fabric the more likely the dye will take.
Wear rubber gloves when handling the dye, the ingredients for the dye (particularly walnuts) and the dyed fabric.
If using a strong smelling ingredient, keep the room well ventilated while dyeing.
Do not let children come in contact with the dye.
References
- Photo Credit blond in brown clothes on white background image by Andrey Chmelyov from Fotolia.com
