How to Extract Natural Dyes

You can make dyes with items found right in your own neighborhood.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Old Nylon Stockings
• Food Processors
• Large Bowls
• Stockpots

1. Collect plants, mosses, roots, berries, flowers, nuts and any other natural objects that might contain colors.
2. Chop up your collected items in a food processor or run them through a meat grinder.
3. Catch the juices in a bowl.
4. Put the chopped objects in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.
5. Set the stocking in a bucket or bowl with 2 to 3 quarts of water. Be sure to pour in whatever juices you got as well.
6. Let the items soak in a bowl for 24 hours.
7. Remove the stocking and put it in a stockpot with 2 quarts of fresh water.
8. Bring the water to a low boil for 30 minutes. Watch to make sure the water isn't evaporating too quickly. If it is, turn the heat down a little and add more water.
9. Take the stocking out and throw it away.
10. Mix the two batches of colored water.

Tips & Warnings

• Carrots will make a good, strong orange color.
• Beet greens, mint leaves and lichens produce different greens.
• Dandelion heads, mustard and peach leaves, and coffee beans create various yellows.
• Red onion skins, tea leaves and some tree bark will give you a rich reddish-brown.
• Experiment to produce the strongest colors.