Natural dyes can give a special beauty that can not be obtained from ordinary fabric dyes. Although the process can't be done as quickly as commercial dyes, these dyes produce a captivating beauty. It's pretty easy to use, and if you already know how to dye fabric with beets, you can try other natural products, such as red cabbage or turmeric.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Dye and Fabric
Step 1. Peel 3-4 beets, then cut them into large slices
The size of the pieces doesn't really matter, but try to be between 3 and 5 cm. Do not use whole beets because the color will not come out to its full potential.
Don't cut the beets too small, as this can make it difficult to remove them from the pan later
Step 2. Put the beetroot pieces into the pot, then pour the water into it
The amount of water to use depends on the size of the pan. Pour enough water to reach about 3-5 cm from the top of the pot.
You should boil the water quickly so the temperature won't be a problem
Step 3. Place a white cotton or linen cloth in a separate pan
The pot should be large enough for you to stir the fabric freely. For best results, choose a white cotton or linen fabric.
- It is advisable to wash and dry the cloth first. This is useful for removing chemicals that can prevent the dye from adhering to the fabric properly.
- Natural dyes do not adhere well to synthetic fabrics. So, choose fabrics made from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen.
- This method can also be used to dye clothes made of linen or cotton white.
Step 4. Put the vinegar and water in a clothing pan, in a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water
Add the vinegar first until it reaches a quarter of the pot. Press the cloth into the vinegar to infuse it, then fill the remaining three-quarters of the pan with water.
- You only need to do this on the pan containing the cloth. Do not put any ingredients in a pot containing beets.
- The vinegar will act as a fixative, allowing the dye to adhere well to the fabric.
- Alternatively, you can use 150 grams of salt for every 2 liters of water.
Part 2 of 3: Coloring Fabrics
Step 1. Bring both pots to a boil on the stove
Place each pot on a separate stove. Use medium or medium-high heat until the water boils. This can take a few minutes.
Wait for both pots to boil before moving on to the next step
Step 2. Reduce heat to low, and let both pans simmer for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Again, this process must be done simultaneously on both pans. Reduce the heat to low, and let the water boil a little. Boil both pots on this low heat for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
The longer the water is boiled, the stronger the color will be
Step 3. Drain the water in the clothes pan
Hold the cloth from falling off the pan with a wooden russet or similar object as you remove the vinegar-water mixture. It doesn't matter if there is still liquid left in the pan.
Do not throw water in the coloring pan
Step 4. Remove the bits that are in the coloring pan
You can do this with a spoon, but it will be easier if you use a spoon. Discard the beets or save them for use in recipes.
Do not throw away the coloring liquid that comes from these beets
Step 5. Pour the liquid dye into a saucepan filled with cloth and mix thoroughly
Pour in the dye slowly so the liquid doesn't splash. After that, stir the pan until all parts of the cloth are completely submerged. You may have to press the folds of the fabric to sink them into the liquid.
You won't be able to fill a pot of cloth to the brim because some of the beetroot water has evaporated while boiling
Step 6. Soak the cloth in the dye for about 12 to 24 hours
You don't need to soak it any longer than that. However, make sure the cloth is completely submerged. Otherwise, the color may not be evenly distributed. If necessary, place a plate, jar, or bowl on top of the cloth to cover it.
Turn off the burner when you do this. Do not allow the dye to continue boiling for 12-24 hours
Part 3 of 3: Rinsing and letting the dye soak in
Step 1. Remove the fabric from the dye solution, then wring out the excess water
Do not rinse the fabric as some of its beautiful and bright color may be lost. Just remove the cloth from the pan and squeeze out any excess dye that remains.
- We recommend that you wear plastic gloves when doing this. The beetroot will stay on your hands for several days.
- If you want a light pink color, you can rinse the fabric in cold water.
Step 2. Dry the fabric in hot sunlight or use a dryer
Heat is the key to allowing the dye to seep into the fabric. When the weather is hot and sunny, the best option is to dry them in the hot sun. If the weather is not favorable, put the cloth in the dryer and dry on a low heat setting.
If the fabric is drying outside, place a bucket or pot under it to catch the drippings of the dye
Step 3. Iron the fabric for 5 minutes to allow the dye to absorb more
Set the iron to low heat, without using steam. Place the fabric on the ironing board, then iron the fabric for about 5 minutes. Apart from allowing the dye to penetrate deeper into the fabric, this will also smooth out wrinkles.
- Even if the fabric is linen or cotton, you should still set the iron to low or warm. Do not use the cotton or linen suit provided by the iron.
- Some of the dye may transfer to the ironing board. Cover the ironing board with a clean, unused cloth to prevent this from happening.
Step 4. Wash the cloth manually in cold water, if necessary
Even with vinegar, beets are a natural colorant. These dyes are more environmentally friendly than ordinary dyes, but they are not permanent. To keep the color lasting, wash the fabric manually in cold water only when necessary. If possible, do not use the washing machine.
If you must use the washing machine, set it to the cold water setting. Wash fabrics that have been dyed separately so they don't stain other clothes
Tips
- Use more beets if you want a stronger pink.
- If you want a lighter pink color, use more water in the last dye bath, after you've poured it into the cloth pan.
- Wood ruses are perfect for this purpose, but may get stains of dye.
- If you want a unique effect, first tie a rubber band around the fabric for a tie-die effect.
