Natural Dyeing by A Verb for Keeping Warm

All levels | 33 min 30 sec

Taught by A Verb for Keeping Warm

Learn the basics of dyeing cotton and other cellulose fibers—a process that is similar to dyeing protein fibers, but is just different enough to merit its own lesson. In this class, Kristine shares her passion for working with natural plant extracts to create beautiful shades of red using Madder. She shows you how to prepare cotton for dyeing and how to create a dye bath, sharing expert tips along the way. With this method, you can dye a single pair of socks or a whole pot for friends.

Learn how to:

Scour and mordant cotton goods for dyeing
Record dye process in journal
Create a wheat bath for cotton material
Mix and match dyes to create custom colors
Create a dye bath
Dye cotton fabric
Wash and rinse dyed goods

Chapters

Introduction
Overview00:39

Materials
Materials01:24

Prepare Cellulose-Based Goods for Dyeing
Scouring goods02:19
Mordanting goods01:57
Wheat-bran bath02:06

Understanding Dye
Shade cards02:42
Dye pot02:11
Rinse01:42

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need:

100% Cotton socks for dyeing
Sieve
Wheat Bran – about 1 cup
Soda Ash or “washing soda” for scour (can be found at the hardware store) -- 1 ¼ teaspoon soda ash scour per 100 grams material
Natural dye -- about ½ teaspoon (Kristine uses Madder natural dye extract. All dyes available online, or at Kristine’s shop, http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com)
Scale
Aluminum acetate – 2 teaspoons per 100 grams material (this is the mordant. Available online, or at Kristine’s shop, http://www.averbforkeepingwarm.com)
Spoon or small whisk
3-5 quarts (2.8 - 4.7 Liter) stainless steel pot with lid
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup
Tongs
Timer
Thermometer
Rubber gloves
Silk and wool yardage
Bucket
Journal for recording dye process
Apron
Access to hot water and a stovetop (kitchen works well)

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Transcript

Natural Dyeing

Part 1:

Natural Dyeing: How to Dye Silk and Other Protein Fibers

A Verb for Keeping Warm

Using natural plant extracts, learn to dye a beautiful silk scarf with Kristine Vejar. You will learn the ins and outs of working with silk and other protein fibers like wool, including how to prepare fabric for dyeing, and how to create desired colors and shades using natural extracts. Once you understand the basics of the process, you’ll have all the tools you need to experiment with natural dyes and protein fibers.

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