How to Dye with Minerals from Stone
Dyeing is the process of transferring colors from either artificial or natural products to a textile material. Chemical dyes can be harmful to both humans and the planet. Many people are looking to natural dyes for a safer alternative. Minerals from stone, such as copper and coal, can be used to create natural dyes used to color fabric, yarn or other fiber products.
Instructions
-
-
1
Collect minerals. The minerals you choose could come from dirt, rust, crushed rock or store-purchased material. If you have a rather rocky or rough collection of minerals, mix them in 3 times the amount water than you have minerals, in order to make a slurry. Then, pour off most of the mixture, leaving the larger parts on the bottom to discard.
-
2
Let sit overnight and pour off excess water; the mineral sediment should have sunk to the bottom. If you have a pure powder mixture, add half of the amount of water than you have minerals, to make a slurry paste.
-
-
3
Use a protein-based medium to create a lasting bond with your textile; soy milk is a good choice. Make your own soy milk by soaking a handful of soybeans in water overnight. Then, the mixture in a blender with warm water (fill to 3/4 full) for 3 minutes and pass through a sieve.
-
4
Add soy milk to the mineral slurry until the consistency is similar to whole milk. If purchasing, use the unsweetened/unflavored variety. This mixture is your natural mineral dye. Place your dye in a large pot. Submerge undyed fabric in your dye, or apply it directly onto your textile, with a paintbrush to create a pattern.
-
5
Allow your textiles to cure in the soy dye. The longer you wait, the better quality you will achieve with your dye to allow for washing and dry cleaning.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you use a pot for dyeing, it should always be used for dyeing. Never re-use it to cook.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
