Working with natural dye is a beautiful, and sustainable way to bring colour to textiles. Using plants, roots, flowers, and even kitchen scraps like onion skins or avocado stones, it’s possible to create a rich palette of earthy, organic tones. From golden yellows to deep rusts and soft pinks, each dye bath tells its own story — shaped by time, temperature, and the natural materials used.
But natural dyeing doesn’t have to stop at colour washes. You can also transfer imagery onto fabric using stencils or hand-carved blocks, combining traditional printing methods with plant-based dyes. This allows for more expressive, detailed work — ideal for storytelling, symbolism, or adding a personal touch to naturally dyed textiles.
This approach not only celebrates craft and creativity, but it also aligns with sustainable values — no harsh chemicals, no synthetic inks, just thoughtful making with minimal waste.
Whether you’re printing leaves onto linen or creating bold motifs with block prints, combining natural dye with image transfer opens up endless possibilities for mindful textile art.
If you’re looking for an sustainable way to add beautiful colours and designs to fabric, combining natural dye with stencil or block printing techniques offers a creative, low-impact solution. Here’s a simple overview of how you can get started:
What You’ll Need:
- Natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk work best)
- Dye materials (onion skins, avocado pits, turmeric, madder root, etc.)
- Mordant (e.g. alum or soy milk to help fix the dye)
- Block or stencil (carved lino block, foam, or handmade stencil)
- Thickened natural dye paste (see below for a recipe), or sustainable fabric ink for printing.
- A sponge or a roller
- Protective gloves and workspace covering
- pH-neutral soap
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Scour and Mordant the Fabric
- Wash your fabric thoroughly to remove any finishes or oils.
- Soak it in a mordant solution (e.g. alum) to help the dye bind better.
2. Create Your Natural Dye
- Boil your chosen plant material in water for about 45–60 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool.
- Submerge your fabric in the dye bath, allowing it to soak and absorb the colour — the time needed will vary depending on the depth of shade you’re aiming for. Once the desired tone is achieved, remove the fabric and hang it up to dry naturally.
3. Prepare Your Image Transfer
- Choose or design a simple image or motif.
- Use a hand-cut stencil or a carved block to prepare your design.
- You can use a thickened version of your natural dye or a sustainable fabric ink for printing.
4. Apply the Design
- Place your fabric on a flat surface.
- Secure the stencil or press your block firmly onto the fabric using a sponge or roller.
- Let the print dry fully before handling.
5. Fix the Colour
- Some dyes may need heat-setting (iron for a few minutes under a cloth).
- Wash gently with a pH-neutral soap.
Why Choose This Method?
Natural dyeing reduces harmful chemicals, and by combining it with hand-applied design techniques like stencilling or block printing makes each piece unique, sustainable, and deeply personal. Perfect for wall hangings, patches, clothing embellishment, or mindful textile art.
Creating a natural dye paste for transferring images (such as with stencils or block printing) is a rewarding process — and surprisingly accessible! The key is to thicken your dye so that it doesn’t bleed and can hold shape when applied through a stencil or block.
Here’s a simple method to make your own natural dye paste at home:
What You’ll Need:
- natural dye extract or liquid (from plants like turmeric, madder, onion skins, etc.)
- Thickener (choose one below)
- Optional: Mordant (e.g. alum) to help with fixing
- Strainer
- Small pot and spoon
- Bowl or jar for storage
Step 1: Make Your Natural Dye Liquid
First, create a strong dye bath:
- Simmer plant material (e.g. 2 tbsp turmeric or 1 cup onion skins) in water for 30–60 minutes.
- Strain out the solids.
- Let the liquid cool — this is your dye base.
Step 2: Choose a Natural Thickener
Pick one of the following to make your paste:
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Slurry
- Mix 1–2 tsp of starch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Slowly add this to your warm dye liquid while stirring.
- Heat gently until it thickens (like a thin custard).
- Let it cool before using.
Gum Arabic (great for more refined prints)
- Dissolve 1 tsp powdered gum arabic in warm water.
- Stir into your cooled dye liquid.
- This creates a silky, smooth consistency ideal for screen printing or stamping.
Sodium Alginate (used in pro natural printing)
- Dissolve sodium alginate in warm water (as directed — often 1–2% by weight).
- Mix with your dye extract. This creates a print-friendly gel that’s easy to stencil.
Step 3: Apply Your Dye Paste
- Use with a sponge, brush, stencil, or printing block.
- Apply to mordanted fabric (e.g. pre-soaked in alum) for best results.
- Let it dry completely.
- Optionally heat-set with an iron or steam to improve fastness.
Notes:
- Turmeric is vibrant and easy to use but fades with washing — great for artwork or decorative pieces.
- Madder, walnut, and logwood yield longer-lasting results.
- Natural pastes are best used soon after preparation, though they can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Disclaimer
This guide is celebrating sustainable craft and mindful textile practice. All recipes and processes are shared for educational and creative inspiration only. Results may vary depending on fabric type, dye material, environmental conditions, and individual technique. Always test on a small sample before applying to larger or cherished pieces. Some natural dyes may fade over time or interact unpredictably with mordants and fixatives. Use protective gear and ensure good ventilation when working with plant-based materials. This guide is not a substitute for professional textile, safety, or health advice. This post encourages gentle experimentation, emotional resonance, and thoughtful making—layered with care, curiosity, and respect for nature.
Rachel Bakewell 