How to Extract Dye From Nuts

Deep, rich browns come from walnuts, Brazil nuts and pecan hulls. You can get a nice black from black walnuts.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old Nylon Stockings
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Nutcrackers
• Rolling Pins
• Sandwich Bags
• Stockpots
• Walnuts
• Brazil nuts

1. Crack the shells and remove the meats so that only the shells remain.

2. Crush the shells with a rolling pin. (This is easier if you put them in a sandwich bag first.)

3. Put the nutshells in a nylon stocking and tie the top shut.

4. Boil the hulls for 20 minutes in a stockpot with 2 quarts of water.

5. Remove the stocking.

Tips & Warnings

• Fabrics being dyed with this solution should be immersed and boiled in it for 1 1/2 hours or so.
• Add about 2 1/2 gallons of cold water to make a dye bath.