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How To

How to Extract Natural Dyes

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

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. Step 1

    Collect plants, mosses, roots, berries, flowers, nuts and any other natural objects that might contain colors.

  2. Step 2

    Chop up your collected items in a food processor or run them through a meat grinder.

  3. Step 3

    Catch the juices in a bowl.

  4. Step 4

    Put the chopped objects in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.

  5. Step 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. Step 6

    Let the items soak in a bowl for 24 hours.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the stocking and put it in a stockpot with 2 quarts of fresh water.

  8. Step 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. Step 9

    Take the stocking out and throw it away.

  10. Step 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.

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