Making Dye?

Question

Does anyone know how to MAKE colored dye for fabric?
I have white fabric that will dye easily, I just need to know how to make it.

What household things could I use?

Answer 1

Believe it or not Koolaid works very well.

Answer 2

I've used wines before. Got a lovely purple color out of boiling some silk in some merlot. Also you can use teas, coffee.

Also think about picking up some Alum and some cream of tartar from the grocery store. These are mordants.

Use salt to help fix.

Use a non-reactive pot or that will have some affects on the outcome.

Answer 3

There are lots of websites that talk about dyeing. It depends on what color you want. Nature provides many good dyes. I dye my handmade baskets with black walnut shells, pecan shells, hickory nut shells. You can dye fabric with clays, berries, leaves, bark, roots. Try the library for books on natural dyes. And as the above answerer said, koolaid makes a good dye.

Answer 4

There's a ton of stuff out there online and in the library on making natural dyes out of everything from onion skins to black walnuts. Just need the recipes and know what the mordant (setting agent) is.

Answer 5

Try food coloring, or egg yolk, or you could melt candles or crayons if you have enough. Wax will definitely dye cloth, but you might need to boil it to get the waxy buildup of. And don't forget to rinse with vinegar to set it and always wash it in cold water to extend the life of the color.

Answer 6

I agree with Sandjoy. Koolaid rocks for dying.. just about anything..even hair! Another thing you can use is fruit.. blueberrys, strawberrys, blackberries. Just make sure to douse the garment in vinegar when u are done to set the color in.