How to Extract Natural Dyes

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

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

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.