Eco Printing is a form of natural dyeing where the colours from plant materials are transferred to paper or fabric via steaming or boiling. Find out more in the slideshow below, then try making your own Eco Print by following the instructions in the slideshow or on this page!
Watch a video of this craft below!
Materials
- Cotton bag or shirt
- Winegar
- Water
- Pot and bowl
- Measuring cups
- Assorted leaves and flowers
- String
- Scissors
- Various vegetables (for dyes)
Instructions
Part One: Making the Mordent
A mordent is needed so the dyes will stick to the fabric.
Part Two: Making the Eco Dyes
Decide what colours you want to dye your Eco Prints:
Part One: Making the Mordent
A mordent is needed so the dyes will stick to the fabric.
- Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
- Fully submerge fabric and let soak.
- Remove from mordent and allow fabric to dry.
Part Two: Making the Eco Dyes
Decide what colours you want to dye your Eco Prints:
- Red = Beets
- Yellow = Turmeric
- Lavender = Red Cabbage
- Pink = Avocado
- Fawn = Tea
1. Skin and quarter beets.
2. Add to water and bring to boil. 3. Simmer for 30 min to 1 hr. 4. Use a strainer to remove plant material from dye. |
1. Add turmeric powder to water and boil.
2. Simmer for 30 min to 1 hr. |
1. Add sliced cabbage to water and boil.
2. Add 3 tbsp salt for every 2 cups. 3. Simmer for 30 min to 1 hr. 4. Use a strainer to remove plant material from dye. |
1. Add 6 bags black tea to 2 L of boiling water.
2. Simmer for 30 min to 1 hr. |
Part Three: Making the Bundle
- Collect a variety of different leaves, cuttings, and flowers for making the Eco Prints. Think about the colour and placement that you want.
- Lay out fabric on a flat surface and arrange the collected foliage as desired.
- For a mirror image, arrange foliage on only one side of the cloth, then fold it in half.
- For a mirror image, arrange foliage on only one side of the cloth, then fold it in half.
- Starting at one end, tightly wrap the fabric into a long roll; fold in half and tie with yarn to make a bundle.
- For a mirror image, fold the fabric in half first before rolling it.
- For a mirror image, fold the fabric in half first before rolling it.
- Place bundles in simmering dye/water baths for 1 hr, or until you achieve the desired colour.
- Using tongs, carefully remove the bundles from the dye bath and let them sit for 15 minutes.
- Using scissors, carefully cut and unwrap the bundles. Remove the foliage.
- Hang to dry. Let rest for a few days before doing a cold water rinse.