Ciara Boyle
Ciara Boyle
Fashion is the 2nd largest polluter of our waterways globally, a huge part of that pollution comes from clothing dyes. Sometime people forget that denim for example once started as a fluffy white cotton plant, it requires a HUGE amount of dye to turn it blue. Most of the time this is chemical dye and unfortunately, often that waste water isn’t managed correctly. Meaning 1000’s of litres of blue dyed water is being dumped into waterways not only killing the ecosystem but also having detrimental health effects on the surrounding communities that use this water to cook, drink and bath in.
Pretty bleak we know. However, the positive alternative is that there are so many natural dyes that you can use instead. These dyes are better for you, your skin and of course the planet and are SO much fun to do. Here’s a list of our favourite natural dyes.
This one never ceases to blow my mind! The colour it produces I feel could simply not be achieved through chemical means.
Here’s a how-to:
I originally discovered the dyeing properties of turmeric when I accidentally spilled a turmeric shot on a beloved pair of jeans and let me tell you – it lasts! I do ADORE this dye though- it’s just the most beautiful sunshine yellow in colour. Luckity you don’t even need fresh turmeric. This recipe used ground turmeric, the kind you can get in TESCO for less that €2 – yippee
If you thought the last two were bizarre then you ain’t seen nothing yet! The skins of onions, possibly the most widely used vegetable are tossed to the side without question BUT they have seriously amazing dying qualities. These skins dye material the most gorgeous vibrant orange – you have to see it to believe it.
Again this one goes a little off piste, you’d imagine that red cabbage would dye clothing red but not, it’s all surprises here. Red cabbage dyes material a gorgeous blue.
All of these dyeing techniques are INCREDIBLY satisfying. Honestly. Oh, and if you give them a go be sure to tag us so we can see your masterpiece! Here are some additional resources and blogs that we got a lot of tips and instructions from.
http://lilfishstudios.blogspot.com/2012/03/more-dyeing-with-red-cabbage.html
https://www.folkfibers.com/blogs/news/6652230-natural-dyes-yellow-onion-skins
https://www.foodandwine.com/syndication/when-does-hand-sanitizer-expire-coronavirus-covid-19
https://craftingagreenworld.com/articles/how-to-make-natural-fabric-dye/
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.