Dyeing with Onion Skins

You might think onion skins are just food waste once peeled from the flesh, but they have a hidden purpose beyond the compost bin. Both red and brown onion skins can be transformed into natural dyes, creating beautiful, earthy hues for fabrics. Rich in tannins, onion skins are ideal for beginner dyers since they don’t require a mordant, especially when working with cellulose fibres like cotton or linen. Tannins help the dye bind to fabric, improving the colour’s strength and durability.

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s cover the basics: how many onion skins you’ll need, how to store them, and the necessary supplies. Ready to get started?

How Many Onion Skins Do You Need?

The amount of onion skins you’ll need depends on how much dye you want and how strong you’d like the colour to be. If you’re just starting out, I recommend testing with a small dye bath and a few onion skins. The beauty of natural dyeing is that you can always add more skins to intensify the colour.

If you don’t have enough of one type of onion skin, mixing red and brown skins is an option. Just keep in mind that blending different types of skins can alter the colour slightly, so it’s worth experimenting before committing to your project.

Storing Onion Skins

Storing onion skins is simple, and you have a couple of options. You can keep them in a container in a cool, dry place, like your kitchen counter, or store them in a bag or container in the freezer. Make sure you only save the thin, papery skins. Any skins with excess moisture may spoil the batch and promote mould growth.

Required Supplies

To keep this guide beginner-friendly, let’s stick to the essentials:

  • Red or brown onion skins
  • 1 stainless steel cooking pot with a lid
  • 1 bucket (same size or larger than the pot)
  • 1 piece of cellulose fabric (e.g., cotton or linen)
  • Stainless steel tongs
  • Stainless steel or wooden spoon
  • Muslin cloth (large enough to cover the bucket)
  • Face mask
  • Washing machine
  • Cloth or paper towel

Important Note: Be sure to label your dyeing equipment and store it separately from regular cooking tools, as using the same items for both could be hazardous. Wearing a face mask while dyeing will also help protect your lungs from fine particles.

Step-by-Step Method

  1. Prepare the Dye: Add the onion skins to your pot and cover them with enough water for the fabric to move freely (fabric will be added later).
  2. Heat Gently: Put the pot on low-medium heat with the lid on. Avoid boiling the dye; check it regularly as the colour will intensify over time.
  3. Scour the Fabric: While the dye heats, scour the fabric in the washing machine on a cold rinse cycle without detergent or softener. This removes waxes and oils that may prevent the dye from bonding to the fabric.
  4. Strain the Dye: Once you’re happy with the dye’s strength, remove the pot from the heat and strain the liquid through a muslin cloth into a bucket. This step removes any onion skin remnants that could leave uneven marks on the fabric.
  5. Handle the Skins: Compost the used onion skins or reuse them for a lighter dye bath. If you want to save them for later, freeze them (don’t dry them at this stage).
  6. Clean the Pot: Wipe the pot with a cloth or paper towel to remove any leftover skin bits, then pour the strained dye back into the pot.
  7. Dye the Fabric: Add the damp, scoured fabric to the dye bath. Stir frequently to avoid uneven patches. You can also let the fabric sit in the cooled dye bath for a few hours or overnight for a more intense colour.
  8. Rinse and Spin: Once the fabric reaches your desired colour, remove it from the dye bath and run it through a quick spin cycle in the washing machine.
  9. Dry the Fabric: Hang the fabric to dry, but avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the colours.

Pro Tip: Remember, the fabric will appear darker while wet, so keep in mind that it will lighten as it dries. Adjust your dye bath time accordingly for the perfect hue.

Onion skin dyeing is a simple yet rewarding process that’s perfect for beginners looking to explore natural dyeing techniques. With a few basic supplies and some leftover kitchen scraps, you can create gorgeous, earthy tones for your fabric projects. Happy dyeing!

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References:

Images:

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-hand-with-a-few-onions-Kjy2vHp7Kfw