Dyeing is the addition of colour to textiles, and requires natural fibres (e.g. wools, twine, linen, cotton). There are also natural and man-made dyes

Materials required:

• Fabric dye (and salt, if required)
• Clips, string or rubber bands
• Natural fabric
• Container (for dye and hot water)

Technique:

• Tie, fold wrap, crumple or stitch the fabric in any manner
• Mix the dye in boiling water
• Moisten the fabric before immersing in the container
• Stir and allow the fabric soak in the dye solution for at least 20 minutes (depending on the dye purchased)
• Remove the fabric and wash with cool water
• Air dry

Applications include:

• Adding decorative elements to shirts, scarfs, bags, etc
• Adding colour to light coloured objects like strings

Personal reflections:

The usage of just one colour can result in mesmerising organic patterns. Multi -coloured patterns could be explored! Also, we could consider making dyes from natural sources like fruits. It was observed that the polyester blend also took on the creases made by the during the dyeing process.