How to Dye Lavender

Lavender makes an eye-catching natural dye for fabrics.

Instead of using artificial stains to dye materials lavender, turn the plant itself into a beautiful natural colorant in your own kitchen. Pigments made from the flower produce a pink-hued lavender color that is pretty and eye-catching. Use lavender to dye fabrics for fashion and craft projects, or as a safe and natural food colorant for candies and drinks. Learn to dye fabric a natural lavender color to make it really pop.

Things You'll Need

• Lavender flowers
• Vinegar
• Water
• 2 large pots
• Sieve

Instructions

1. Gather lavender flowers when they are in full bloom. Remove flower heads from stems and leaves.

2. Measure out enough water so that it will cover the piece of fabric you wish to dye when placed in a pot. Add lavender flowers until you have a mixture with twice as much water as flowers. Place in a pot, cover with a lid, and simmer for one hour.

3. Measure out enough water to cover the piece of fabric you are dyeing. Place in a pot with vinegar at a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water. Add the fabric and simmer for one hour. This will prepare the fabric to accept the dye and act as a "fixative" for the color.

4. Remove the fabric from the pot and rinse thoroughly in cold water.

5. Strain the lavender water mixture through a sieve and place the liquid back in the pot. Add the fabric and simmer until it turns the desired shade. Remember, it will look lighter when the fabric has dried. For a rich shade, leave to soak overnight.

6. Remove fabric from dye and leave to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix the strained and boiled lavender water with lemonade or other clear drinks, or stir into icing sugar if you wish to dye beverages or confectionery lavender.

• Wash lavender-dyed fabrics separately from other fabrics, as the color may run.

References

• Pioneer Thinking: Making Natural Dyes From Plants